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 Gardens and Recycled Steel Frame in a Multifunctional Community Space

Author:
Sushrutha Sree
Vertical Gardens and Recycled Steel Frame in a Multifunctional Community Space

Project in-detail

With its integration of vertical gardens and a structural framework of recycled steel, this community space fosters interaction and education while promoting sustainability in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features a cantilevered roof design that creates shaded outdoor spaces.
02
Incorporates an extensive green roof planted with native vegetation.
03
Utilizes recycled steel to enhance structural integrity and sustainability.
04
Includes smart sensors for energy-efficient lighting and climate control.
05
Offers dedicated educational spaces for community workshops on sustainability.
The project under analysis is located in downtown Chicago and is designed as a multifunctional community space. This architectural design integrates urban habitat with sustainable practices, promoting an interactive environment where residents can connect with nature and each other. The dominant theme is biophilic design, focusing on the incorporation of natural elements to enhance the quality of urban life. The facility accommodates diverse functionalities, including social gathering areas, workshops, and public exhibitions, tailored to serve both individual and community needs.

Sustainability is a core principle of this architectural project. It employs materials such as recycled steel, expansive glass panels, concrete, green roofing systems, and sustainably sourced wood. The choice of these materials reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility, ensuring minimal carbon footprint while enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal. Recycled steel provides structural stability, while glass panels allow for natural light to penetrate and reduce the need for artificial lighting. The inclusion of green roofs contributes to biodiversity and stormwater management, aligning with modern urban ecological strategies.

Key to the design's uniqueness is its open-plan layout, facilitating fluid movement and interaction among users. Unlike typical urban buildings, this project features cantilevered structures that create shaded outdoor areas, allowing for usage throughout varying weather conditions. The building’s integration of vertical gardens on external walls further distinguishes it from standard architectural approaches, providing not only visual interest but also functional purposes, such as improving air quality and reducing heat island effect in the urban setting.

The strategic placement of communal spaces draws visitors into the heart of the complex. Outdoor seating is seamlessly integrated into walkways, promoting social engagement. These areas are enhanced by amenities such as educational spaces, where workshops on sustainability are conducted, fostering community interaction and knowledge-sharing. The design balances functionality with aesthetic considerations, ensuring that each element contributes to an overall cohesive architectural vision.

Readers seeking further insights into the project's architectural plans and designs are encouraged to explore detailed presentations that highlight not only its conceptual framework but also its architectural sections and ideas. An in-depth examination of these elements will provide a comprehensive understanding of the project’s innovative approaches and design strategies.
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