Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Translucent Structures with Flexible Mesh Canopies and Carbon Fiber Framework for Communal Spaces

Author:
Translucent Structures with Flexible Mesh Canopies and Carbon Fiber Framework for Communal Spaces
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing carbon fiber and flexible mesh canopies, this design creates adaptable communal spaces that blend transparency with natural light, encouraging social interaction and connection in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Carbon fiber is utilized for structural elements, enhancing both strength and weight efficiency.
02
Flexible mesh canopies adapt to environmental conditions while providing shade and light filtration.
03
The design incorporates transparent elements to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.
04
Semi-open tent structures create dynamic environments that support varied communal activities.
05
Charred wooden shingles are used for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal in the facade.

### Overview and Intent

Located in a contemporary urban context, the project addresses the evolving demands of future living environments through an architectural framework that emphasizes community engagement and individual well-being. The design explores the interplay between personal space and communal areas, recognizing the impact of cultural diversity and technological advancements on domestic life. Aimed at creating environments that promote connection and collaboration, the concept integrates natural elements, light, and cultural influences, fostering positive emotional experiences.

### Materiality and Structural Design

The project employs a diverse material palette that reflects both durability and warmth, balancing modern functionality with a connection to natural elements. Key materials include carbon fiber for its lightweight properties, enabling the creation of adaptable structural forms, and wood, which serves to enhance the tactile quality of spaces. The use of mesh and fabric acknowledges traditional construction methods while introducing a contemporary aesthetic, while plastics and paper are included for their versatile applications.

The spatial configuration features distinct zones that encourage interaction while offering areas for individual reflection. Semi-open structures act as dynamic shelters, responsive to environmental changes, and the undulating roof forms enhance both visual interest and light infiltration. Transparent materials facilitate a perceptible flow between different functional areas, inviting exploration and redefining the boundaries of each space.

### Cultural Integration and Functionality

A distinctive aspect of the project is its focus on socio-cultural integration within architectural spaces. Each design component draws inspiration from various global architectural traditions, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and ownership among users. Spatial arrangements are designed for multifunctionality, with flexible elements enabling a range of activities, from communal gatherings to quiet reflection. This approach fosters active engagement among occupants, contributing to a rich emotional spectrum within the environment.

The incorporation of outdoor areas enhances the connection with nature, promoting health and well-being by inviting in natural light and fresh air. By prioritizing emotional and sociological factors, the design navigates the complexities of modern living, positioning architecture as a facilitator of meaningful interactions and experiences.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

Recurring architecture competitions

The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025
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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025
new
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 2 October 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025

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

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

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy