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 Ventilation in a Concrete Urban Residence

Vertical Gardens and Natural Ventilation in a Concrete Urban Residence
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Employing a modular design with shifted volumes and integrated vertical gardens, the residence enhances urban living through natural ventilation and private outdoor spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes vertical gardens to enhance biodiversity and air quality within the urban setting.
02
Incorporates shifted volumes that create dynamic spatial experiences and varied room orientations.
03
Features generous balconies designed as private outdoor extensions of each living unit.
04
Employs a combination of concrete and timber, ensuring structural integrity while promoting warmth.
05
Includes a central communal square to foster social interaction among residents.

## Project Overview

The Ndarja project is situated in Tirana, Albania, and aims to address the contemporary challenges of urban living through innovative architectural solutions. The design embraces the integration of natural elements, creating a connection between indoor and outdoor environments. By employing fragmented volumes and strategic openings, the project emphasizes aesthetic coherence while promoting social interaction and ecological awareness.

## Spatial Organization and User Experience

Central to the Ndarja design is the concept of creating spaces that offer residents opportunities for relaxation and connection. The arrangement features stacked and shifted volumes that encourage natural light and ventilation. This spatial strategy fosters unique balcony designs, allowing for variability in size and orientation. These outdoor spaces not only facilitate personal gardens and urban gardening but also enhance communal living by providing areas for social engagement among residents.

The architectural layout emphasizes accessibility and circulation, ensuring smooth movement throughout the building and easy access to a communal central square. This hub serves as a focal point for social interaction, further promoting community among residents while integrating tasteful landscaping elements that enhance the overall living experience.

## Material Collaboration and Environmental Integration

Material selection plays a pivotal role in the architectural expression of the Ndarja project. The use of concrete as the primary structural material ensures durability, while glass elements facilitate transparency and connectivity with the surrounding environment. Wood accents contribute warmth, and the incorporation of vegetation emphasizes the project's commitment to biophilic design principles.

The integration of vertical gardens and greenery on balconies enhances both the aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability of the building. This biophilic approach not only improves air quality but also contributes positively to the microclimate surrounding the structure, reinforcing the design's ecological considerations.

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

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 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
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
new

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 July 2026
new
The Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 July 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 23 July 2026
new
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 29 July 2026
new
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 30 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 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 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
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 #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026
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

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