Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Vapor-Collecting Membrane and Flexible Solar Panels in a Sustainable Living Environment

Vapor-Collecting Membrane and Flexible Solar Panels in a Sustainable Living Environment
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Harnessing atmospheric moisture through a specialized harvesting membrane and integrating flexible solar panels, this sustainable structure offers self-sufficient living in arid regions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features a water-catching membrane designed to extract moisture from the atmosphere.
02
Incorporates flexible solar panels, enabling adaptive energy generation based on sun position.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and sustainability.
04
Includes charred wooden shingles that enhance durability while providing a distinctive aesthetic.
05
Offers modular living spaces that can be customized for various resident needs.

## Project Overview

The Air Braker project addresses drinking water scarcity in arid regions by creating a self-sufficient structure that collects atmospheric moisture and harnesses solar energy. Intended for deployment across various geographic and climatic contexts, the design offers a practical solution for communities facing significant water access challenges. Its adaptability allows for a range of configurations to suit diverse environments and living conditions.

### Water Harvesting and Energy Production

The architectural design incorporates an innovative water catchment system that utilizes a specialized membrane positioned above the structure to extract vapor from the air. This minimizes reliance on mechanical systems and is particularly beneficial in remote areas lacking conventional infrastructure. Additionally, flexible solar panels integrated into the exterior facilitate autonomous energy generation, enhancing the building's self-sufficiency while reducing its environmental footprint.

### Spatial Configuration and Material Selection

The structure's interior is designed for multifunctionality, featuring spatial arrangements that cater to various daily activities, including relaxation and community gatherings. Such configurations include a foundational arrangement for everyday use and more compact setups to maximize functionality within limited space.

Materials selected for construction emphasize sustainability and practicality, including wood for structural integrity and warmth, a flexible transparent membrane for light penetration and water catchment, and a metal framework to ensure durability. Furthermore, a green roof system supports local vegetation, contributing to the building's ecological impact and further reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility.

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