Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Vertical Gardens and Natural Stone Integrate in Sustainable Residential Community Design

Author:
Mouaz Abouzaid
Vertical Gardens and Natural Stone Integrate in Sustainable Residential Community Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing vertical gardens and natural stone, the design creates a sustainable residential community that fosters interaction through meticulously planned communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates vertical gardens for enhanced air quality and aesthetics.
02
Utilizes locally sourced stone to maintain cultural and environmental relevance.
03
Features a central courtyard designed to promote community interaction.
04
Integrates wind catchers for passive cooling and energy efficiency.
05
Includes interconnected pathways that facilitate social connectivity among residents.

### Analytical Report on Architectural Design Projects: Ecoscape and Fareej Community

#### Overview

Ecoscape and Fareej Community are two architectural projects situated within the Emirati context, focused on merging sustainable practices with cultural heritage. These initiatives aim to provide modern living solutions while honoring traditional architectural elements, thereby enhancing the residential experience and fostering community ties.

### Ecoscape: Bioclimatic Housing Strategy

Ecoscape employs a bioclimatic design strategy that aims to harmonize living environments with the natural landscape. The project features vertical gardens and wind catchers, which facilitate natural ventilation, reduce energy consumption, and create a healthier habitat for residents. Central to the design is a communal courtyard that encourages social interaction, reflecting the traditional Emirati lifestyle centered on community engagement. The juxtaposition of modern materials—such as glass, steel, and concrete—with traditional design elements establishes an aesthetic that respects historical context while addressing contemporary needs.

### Fareej Community: A Contemporary Interpretation of Traditional Neighborhoods

The Fareej Community project reinterprets the essence of traditional Emirati neighborhoods, focusing on social connectivity and cultural relevance amidst urban development. The design promotes outdoor activities with 47% of the area dedicated to open space, while incorporating local vernacular architecture through features like **barahat** (courtyards) and **sikks** (alleys). Each villa is designed for optimal functionality, with direct access to communal gardens that balance privacy and community interaction. The master plan integrates cultural heritage with modern necessities, thereby fostering a vibrant neighborhood that resonates with the spirit of fareej.

Through the use of locally relevant materials such as concrete, stone, wood, and sustainable cladding, both projects create habitats that are not only environmentally conscious but also firmly rooted in Emirati culture.

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

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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