Get inspired!

17,249 architecture projects

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

Vertical Community Spaces Enhanced by Green Roofs and Steel Framework

Authors:
Germo Ausin, Louise Hedberg, Sanna Funck, Emaelaf Tebikew Yalew
Vertical Community Spaces Enhanced by Green Roofs and Steel Framework

Project in-detail

With a focus on vertical living complemented by integrative green roofs and a robust steel structure, the design redefines urban housing while fostering a sense of community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical living units maximize natural light and ventilation through an innovative stacking design.
02
Green roofs integrate biodiversity into the urban environment while providing recreational spaces.
03
A robust steel framework enables flexible interior arrangements to adapt to diverse lifestyles.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural performance while reducing carbon footprint.
05
The bent A-frame design facilitates rainwater management and optimizes energy efficiency.
The "Grow-Living Berlin" project is a residential architectural design situated in Berlin, Germany, aimed at addressing modern urban challenges such as affordable housing, community engagement, and sustainability. The project integrates living spaces with natural elements, promoting a lifestyle that melds ecological awareness with urban living. The design focuses on creating a flexible, adaptable environment that responds to varying community needs while encouraging interaction among residents.

The architecture features a vertical arrangement that allows for a variety of unit sizes and configurations, catering to diverse family structures and individual lifestyles. Shared spaces are thoughtfully incorporated, enhancing community bonding and providing residents with a communal hub for social activities. This multifunctionality is essential in fostering a sense of belonging and cooperation within the urban fabric.

Unique Design Approaches

One standout feature of "Grow-Living Berlin" is its commitment to integrating green elements into the structure. Green roofs, vertical gardens, and communal gardening spaces not only provide aesthetic value but also enhance biodiversity within the urban context. The design promotes sustainable living practices, encouraging residents to partake in urban gardening and cultivate a relationship with nature.

Another significant aspect is the innovative use of materials. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing durability while enabling unique architectural forms. Steel is utilized to create flexible frameworks, allowing for open spaces that maximize natural light and ventilation. Glass is employed extensively to enhance transparency, creating visual connections between the interior and exterior environments, further merging the concept of nature with urban life.

The spatial organization of the building facilitates interaction while ensuring privacy. Private units are strategically placed, allowing for easy access to common areas without compromising individual spaces. This thoughtful layout optimizes the residential experience, providing a balance of communal living and personal retreat.

Sustainability is a critical focus within this architectural design. Passive strategies are employed to minimize energy consumption through effective orientation and material choices. The incorporation of permeable surfaces in landscaping encourages rainwater infiltration, contributing to environmental health.

To explore further, interested individuals are encouraged to examine detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs that illustrate the intricate ideas behind the "Grow-Living Berlin" project. Reviewing these elements will provide deeper insights into this innovative approach to urban living and its potential influence on future architectural developments.
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 17,249 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