Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Underwater Living Spaces Crafted from UV-Stable Plastic with Integrated Rooftop Gardens

Author:
Milica Roycroft
Underwater Living Spaces Crafted from UV-Stable Plastic with Integrated Rooftop Gardens
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Elevated above aquatic environments, the modular units constructed from UV-stable plastic with integrated rooftop gardens provide sustainable living solutions tailored for underutilized urban spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units can be customized for one or two-bedroom configurations.
02
Rooftop gardens enhance biodiversity and provide local food sources.
03
Constructed from UV-stable plastic to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
04
Designed for integration into both urban spaces and aquatic environments.
05
Utilizes recycled materials throughout, emphasizing sustainability.

The M.U.D (Modular Underground/Underwater/Underdeveloped Dwelling) project represents an architectural approach focused on sustainable urban housing solutions. This design seeks to address the ongoing challenges of housing shortages by incorporating modularity and adaptability. The concept allows for prefabricated living units that can be easily deployed in various environments, including underutilized urban spaces and coastal areas.

The design emphasizes a compact living footprint while maximizing functionality. Each module is comprised of key components including walls, floors, and roofs, constructed from UV-stable plastic. These materials provide durability and resistance to environmental conditions. The integration of glass panels enhances natural light penetration, improving the overall livability of the units. Rooftop gardens offer residents green spaces that serve both aesthetic and practical functions, such as food production and habitat creation.

Innovative Modularity and Environmental Integration

What differentiates the M.U.D project from traditional housing developments is its modular design and potential for environmental integration. Each dwelling can be customized, accommodating different family sizes and lifestyles. This adaptability includes one-bedroom and two-bedroom options along with efficient living spaces that incorporate modern amenities.

The project also proposes the use of existing infrastructures, allowing for the installation of these modules into vacant buildings or sidelined urban areas. This practice encourages the revitalization of otherwise overlooked city spaces. Furthermore, the concept includes underwater modules for locations adjacent to bodies of water, presenting unique living arrangements that engage with aquatic environments while incorporating sustainable energy practices.

Sustainable Material Choices and Use of Resources

The M.U.D project incorporates recyclable materials throughout its construction, aligning with contemporary standards of sustainability. The choice of UV-stable plastic not only ensures longevity but also minimizes the carbon footprint typically associated with home building. Rooftop gardens create additional benefits by enhancing air quality and promoting biodiversity.

Additionally, the architectural design encourages residents to utilize the space effectively, with an emphasis on communal areas that foster interaction. The use of sustainable design strategies, like passive solar heating and natural ventilation, further supports the project's commitment to reducing energy consumption.

For those interested in exploring architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs related to M.U.D, the project presentation provides comprehensive insights. Review the specific architectural ideas implemented in this project to understand its practical applications and functional benefits in addressing the modern urban housing challenge.

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 #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 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

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
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 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
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 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
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 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
Final registration deadline 26 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
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
Advance registration deadline 3 December 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