Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Urban Wind Turbines and Living Walls Define Sustainable Housing Solution in a Vertical Community Hub

Authors:
Raphaël Monnier, Naing win Aung, Lin htet Nyan
Urban Wind Turbines and Living Walls Define Sustainable Housing Solution in a Vertical Community Hub

Project in-detail

Urban wind turbines and living walls seamlessly integrate with reinforced concrete and steel to create a multifunctional tower that addresses homelessness while promoting community engagement in downtown Yangon.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates urban wind turbines, enhancing renewable energy generation for the community.
02
Reinforced concrete and steel are utilized to create a robust and adaptable shelter structure.
03
Living walls are integrated into the façade, promoting biodiversity and improving air quality.
04
The layout encourages individual customization, allowing residents to personalize their living spaces.
05
Public amenities are seamlessly incorporated on the ground level to facilitate community engagement and support.
The Skyscrap-per project is an innovative architectural endeavor situated in downtown Yangon, Myanmar, designed to address the urgent issue of homelessness in an urban environment. This project goes beyond being a mere building; it is a comprehensive response to the challenges faced by marginalized communities, embodying a vision of inclusive urban development.

At its core, the Skyscrap-per represents a multifaceted approach to housing and community integration. The building serves not only as a shelter for the homeless but also as a vibrant community hub that encourages social interaction and engagement. Its architectural design is a thoughtful exploration of how space can be utilized to foster connection and resilience among individuals who often live on the fringes of society.

Functionally, the Skyscrap-per is organized into three essential areas: the ground level, which serves as an open public space facilitating interaction between residents and the broader community; the residential areas, vertically structured within two main cores that house individual living units, equipped with necessary amenities; and the common spaces that include educational facilities and health centers. This arrangement promotes a sense of community ownership and provides essential services that are often lacking in urban settings, thereby improving the quality of life for its residents.

A distinctive aspect of the Skyscrap-per is its materiality and construction methodology, which reflect a commitment to sustainability and local resources. The primary use of reinforced concrete in the structural framework ensures durability while enabling design flexibility. Steel provides a lightweight support system, and transparent glass panels allow for natural light to permeate the interior, creating a welcoming environment. Additionally, the incorporation of green roofs and living walls not only enhances the building’s aesthetic quality but also contributes to biodiversity and eco-friendliness in an urban landscape. The innovative use of urban wind turbines is a practical inclusion, tapping into renewable energy sources to power the facility and reduce reliance on conventional energy sources.

One of the most commendable design approaches embedded in the Skyscrap-per is its emphasis on adaptability. It recognizes the diverse needs of inhabitants by allowing residents to personalize their living spaces. This aspect makes the project unique in responding to individual circumstances, as it acknowledges that homelessness is not a monolithic experience. The design encourages residents to forge a sense of identity and belonging within their environment, reinforcing the concept that housing can be more than just a place to live; it can be an integral part of one’s life narrative.

The geographical context of the Skyscrap-per in Yangon, a rapidly urbanizing city with pronounced socio-economic disparities, adds another layer of relevance to the project. It serves as a visible attempt to bridge social divides and confront the challenges brought about by gentrification. As such, the Skyscrap-per stands not only as a physical solution but also as a symbolic representation of hope and communal reinforcement amid urban instability.

In exploring this project further, interested readers are encouraged to delve into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and other architectural designs that illustrate the thoughtful considerations and innovations realized in the Skyscrap-per. These documents provide a deeper understanding of the architectural ideas that shape the project and highlight its unique position within the discourse of urban architecture and social responsibility. By examining these elements, one can appreciate the comprehensive nature of the Skyscrap-per as it navigates the complex interplay between architecture and community welfare.
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 16544 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