Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

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

Translucent Glass and Charred Wood Create a Courtyard-Centric Community Hub

Authors:
Lingyun Zhu, Lu Wang, Qiao Feng
Translucent Glass and Charred Wood Create a Courtyard-Centric Community Hub

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood shingles and expansive glass elements, the design weaves natural light and greenery into a central courtyard, fostering community interaction through versatile gathering spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features a transparent facade, maximizing natural light and connection with nature.
03
Incorporates a central courtyard that promotes community interaction and gatherings.
04
Employs cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
05
Includes a bent A-frame design, providing unique aesthetic and spatial qualities.
The project "When I Look Up" represents a thoughtful integration of architecture and natural elements, aiming to foster a connection between its users and the surrounding environment. The design emphasizes transparency, light, and usability through a carefully considered layout that balances communal spaces with private areas. The project focuses on creating an environment that encourages interaction and reflection, making it a versatile space for various activities.

Spatial Arrangement and Functionality
The layout features a central courtyard that serves as the focal point of the design, promoting social interaction and outdoor engagement. Surrounding this courtyard are reading spaces that take advantage of natural light, facilitating both solitary and communal activities. The arrangement of these spaces optimizes flow and accessibility while maintaining a sense of openness. Vertical elements and strategically placed openings enhance the perception of space, creating an inviting atmosphere that emphasizes connectivity with the outdoors.

Material Selection and Aesthetic Harmony
The project's material palette includes wood, concrete, glass, brick, and steel, each chosen for its functionality and aesthetic contributions. Wood provides warmth, while concrete offers durability. Glass is extensively utilized to maximize daylight, promoting visual continuity with the exterior. Brick serves as a nod to historical architectural styles, grounding the design in cultural context. Steel components allow for a lightweight framework, which supports the expansive, open character of the interior spaces.

Designing for Connectivity with Nature
A unique aspect of "When I Look Up" is the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor environments. The design encourages the presence of greenery within the architectural framework, fostering a relationship between the built environment and nature. This approach enhances the overall aesthetic and contributes to sustainability by incorporating biophilic elements into the architecture. The layered roof structure allows light to penetrate different areas of the building throughout the day, creating a dynamic and ever-changing environment.

In summary, "When I Look Up" stands out in contemporary architecture through its emphasis on light, materiality, and the user experience. For those interested in a deeper understanding of this project, reviewing its architectural plans, sections, and designs will provide further insight into the design concepts and functional aspects that define this noteworthy architectural endeavor.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16,979 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy