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 Sundried Brick Walls in a Sustainable Living Space

Vertical Gardens and Sundried Brick Walls in a Sustainable Living Space
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Constructed with sundried brick walls and integrated vertical gardens, the design prioritizes sustainability while offering a functional living space that harmonizes with its tropical environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced sundried bricks for enhanced thermal efficiency.
02
Utilizes vertical gardens to improve air quality and integrate nature into the living space.
03
Incorporates a dual function solar canopy for energy generation and shading.
04
Features advanced greywater recycling systems to minimize water consumption.
05
Designed with strategically placed openings for optimal natural ventilation throughout.

### Overview

Located in a tropical forest environment, likely Al Ain in the UAE, the project presents a contemporary interpretation of sustainable living by integrating ecological principles with modern design. This effort focuses on creating a harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature, aiming to enhance the quality of living while minimizing environmental impact. The design is inspired by the concept of a "machine for living," drawing from Le Corbusier’s ethos to optimize natural resources for energy efficiency, ventilation, and comfort.

### Spatial Configuration

The architectural layout prioritizes openness and interaction with the surroundings. Large windows and thoughtfully positioned openings enable efficient airflow and maximize daylight, fostering a connectedness with the outdoor environment. The structure features defined communal and private zones, creating a balance between shared spaces and personal retreats. Strategic vertical air pathways facilitate natural convection, ensuring a stable internal climate without reliance on mechanical systems.

### Material and Sustainability Integration

The use of diverse materials reinforces both sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Sundried bricks form the outer skin, providing thermal mass for effective temperature regulation, while bamboo elements enhance interior spaces sustainably. A key feature is the integration of vertical gardens, which promote biophilic design and improve indoor air quality. Additionally, a solar canopy equipped with photovoltaic cells not only shields the building from harsh sunlight but also captures solar energy, supporting energy efficiency. Water reuse systems are integrated to recycle greywater, achieving a reduction in water consumption by up to 75%, and smart meters along with eco-friendly appliances contribute to energy savings of up to 57%.

### Detailed Design Elements

The architectural sections demonstrate a keen understanding of the natural elements' flow within living spaces. The east-west orientation of Section AA emphasizes light penetration and cross-ventilation, while Section BB illustrates the relationship between communal and private areas, optimizing both interaction and solitude.

**Materials List:**
1. Sundried Bricks: For outer skin.
2. Bamboo elements: For interior finishes and furniture.
3. Hydronic tubing: For water-reusing systems.
4. Photovoltaic cells: For solar energy collection.
5. Eco-concrete: For foundation and structural elements.
6. Glass panels: For windows and greenhouse components.

The findings reflect an innovative architectural response to environmental challenges, showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices and resource efficiency.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

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
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

Recurring architecture competitions

The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 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 18 September 2025
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
new
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 #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 2 October 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 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 13 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025

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