Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Timber Cells with Polycarbonate Roofs Enhancing Urban Living

Author:
John Henry
Timber Cells with Polycarbonate Roofs Enhancing Urban Living
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Timber cells arranged for effective cross ventilation and integrated with polycarbonate roofs create a sustainable living environment that emphasizes community in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber cells are stacked vertically to optimize space and enhance airflow.
02
Each unit features roof terraces designed for private outdoor living.
03
Polycarbonate sheets provide natural lighting while reducing overall weight.
04
Cross-ventilation promotes energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
05
The layout encourages community interaction through shared spaces.

The hive model presents a fresh approach to modular housing designed for the dense urban landscape of London. It features a system of vertically stacked living units aligned along elevator cores, with horizontal corridors connecting them. This layout enhances light and air circulation, creating a comfortable environment for residents. The design balances private living spaces with communal areas, promoting a sense of community.

Design Concept

The structure consists of cells that offer two floors, with some levels positioned at half floor heights relative to adjacent units. This clever arrangement allows for effective cross ventilation, helping to manage temperature naturally. Roof terraces further enhance the design, providing private outdoor spaces that create opportunities for residents to engage with their surroundings.

Material and Sustainability

Sustainability is a key focus in the design, with lightweight materials used throughout. The primary material is timber, which is paired with polycarbonate sheets that add transparency and lightness to the structure. These choices limit the project's environmental impact during construction while ensuring good natural lighting and cooling within the units. The lightweight nature of these materials also contributes to lowering the carbon footprint, aligning with current goals in sustainable living.

Community Engagement

The layout encourages social interaction among residents. Shared spaces are integrated into the design, fostering connections within the community. Ample parking solutions provided at ground level enhance the practicality of the project, ensuring ease of access for residents and visitors alike.

The hive model's use of timber contrasts with the stone and brick typical of much of London’s architecture. This blend of contemporary design with natural elements offers an inviting aesthetic. Each detail contributes to a living environment focused on comfort and community while responding thoughtfully to urban challenges.

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

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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

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

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