Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Sustainable Urban Agriculture Integration with Photovoltaic and Rainwater Systems

Sustainable Urban Agriculture Integration with Photovoltaic and Rainwater Systems
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing rainwater harvesting and photovoltaic systems, the development integrates sustainable agricultural practices into an urban landscape while serving as a community hub for local food production.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates an extensive rainwater harvesting system designed specifically for arid conditions.
02
Utilizes photovoltaic panels installed on multiple building elevations for maximum energy capture.
03
Features raised planting beds to optimize crop yield and minimize water usage.
04
Incorporates a community market space adjacent to urban gardens for enhanced local production access.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design that enhances structural efficiency and aesthetic appeal.

## Project Overview
Located in Gaborone, Botswana, the design of Lesatsi le Pula (Sun & Rain) aims to integrate sustainable agricultural practices with renewable energy technologies. Addressing local challenges such as water scarcity and food production, the project is informed by the region's average annual rainfall of approximately 485 mm. By employing solar energy and rainwater collection systems, the design seeks to foster a resilient and self-sufficient community.

## Resource Efficiency and Sustainability
The project is centered on the efficient use of resources, responding to Botswana’s reliance on coal-fired energy and limited agricultural water supply. The design incorporates photovoltaic panels for solar energy collection and extensive rainwater harvesting systems, contributing to local food production and environmental sustainability. These elements work in tandem to enhance community engagement and resilience in the face of climate challenges.

## Spatial Organization and Materiality
The layout of Lesatsi le Pula is strategically designed to optimize resource capture and promote community interaction. Key features include rainwater storage tanks situated close to urban gardens, enabling efficient irrigation and prolonged growing seasons. The solar energy collection systems are integrated into rooftops and parking canopies, providing shaded areas for social activities.

Materials selected for the project emphasize durability and sustainability, including:

- **Photovoltaic Panels**: Installed to maximize solar energy efficiency.
- **Concrete**: Utilized for water storage tanks, ensuring structural integrity.
- **Metal Framework**: Provides stability and supports solar collectors.
- **Wood**: Used in landscaping and potential construction of community residences.
- **Glass**: Incorporated in market spaces to enhance natural lighting for improved user experiences.

This thoughtful selection of materials reflects the project's commitment to environmental stewardship while addressing functional needs.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in