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-Centric Living with Integrated Greywater Solutions

Authors:
Luciano Espinoza, Nahuel Espinoza, Alejandro Galvez Alvarez
Timber-Centric Living with Integrated Greywater Solutions
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
With an innovative use of modular timber construction and a greywater treatment system, this living environment balances community interaction with privacy, accommodating the diverse needs of urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
A modular system allows flexible living arrangements within a compact footprint.
02
The incorporation of a greywater treatment system enhances sustainability.
03
Upper levels constructed with timber promote a lighter architectural feel.
04
Living compartments are available in multiple adaptable configurations.
05
A central courtyard design fosters community interaction and natural light.

Giardino is located in a rapidly growing urban area, designed to meet the need for comfortable living spaces among the increasing population. The overall concept focuses on creating an environment that balances communal living with private retreats. It aims to foster social interaction while acknowledging the need for personal space. The layout combines public areas on the lower levels with private units that rise above, encouraging a sense of community while providing safety and solitude.

Design Concept

The design effectively separates public and private spaces, allowing residents to engage with each other while maintaining their own sanctuaries. The lower two floors feature concrete areas for social activities, while wood is used on the upper levels. This choice emphasizes flexibility and lightness, making the building feel open and welcoming. The approach reflects modern urban housing that meets diverse lifestyle needs without sacrificing comfort.

Spatial Configuration

Notable in the project is a courtyard that extends upward to the roof level in inhabited floors. This design brings in natural light and creates a space for social interaction, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The courtyard becomes a gathering place, reinforcing the sense of community among residents and enriching the overall living experience.

Flexible Compartments

Giardino introduces three types of living compartments, each measuring 12 square meters. These compartments come in right-angled, squared, and rectangular forms, allowing for different arrangements depending on family size. This flexibility enables residents to adjust their living spaces according to their needs while still being part of a larger community. The arrangement optimizes space and encourages personalization, accommodating various household dynamics.

Sustainable Practices

The project incorporates a greywater treatment system, illustrating a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. This feature reduces ecological impact and enhances the building's functionality, addressing modern urban challenges. Such measures demonstrate an understanding of the importance of sustainability in today’s architecture.

The design includes wide staircases that serve not only as pathways but also as social spaces. With seating areas and landings where residents can pause, these elements invite casual interactions and foster a sense of belonging. This detail adds to Giardino’s purpose, providing both structure and community within the living environment.

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