Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Thermal Limestone Mass and Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Sustainable Residential Design

Thermal Limestone Mass and Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Sustainable Residential Design
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Incorporating thermal limestone mass and rainwater harvesting systems, the design exemplifies sustainable living in a self-sufficient residential context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates large limestone blocks for thermal mass to stabilize indoor temperatures.
02
Utilizes a thermoelectric satellite dish for efficient energy capture and heating.
03
Features an extensive rainwater catchment system for sustainable water use.
04
Integrates a greenhouse area promoting biodiversity and indoor gardening.
05
Designed with an earth berm for natural insulation and climate control.

### Overview
The Limestone Earthship is a contemporary architectural endeavor situated in Taos, New Mexico, which exemplifies the principles of bioarchitecture developed by Michael Reynolds. This design integrates sustainable building practices with functional aesthetics, emphasizing ecological balance and self-sufficiency. The structure is conceived as a self-sustaining habitat that effectively manages environmental resources.

### Material Utilization and Sustainability
The project employs a variety of materials designed for sustainability and performance. Limestone blocks, measuring 2' x 6', serve as the primary thermal mass, providing natural insulation and stabilizing indoor temperatures across varying climates. A solid concrete foundation supports the structure's durability, while selective brick finishes enhance the visual quality in communal areas. Photovoltaic solar panels and a thermoelectric satellite dish for capturing solar thermal energy contribute to the building's energy independence. Additionally, rainwater catchment systems integrate water sustainability by harvesting rainfall for reuse.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The spatial layout is centered around a "Great Room," which serves as the core communal space, flanked by functional areas such as kitchens, bedrooms, and storage. The design features a thermal mass wall that moderates indoor temperatures and an earth berm wall at the rear for added thermal insulation. Generously sized windows facilitate natural light and foster connections between indoor and outdoor environments. Furthermore, dedicated green rooms enhance indoor biodiversity, promoting improved air quality. The project harmonizes modern architectural forms with natural materials, providing an aesthetically pleasing exterior that complements the local landscape.

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