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 Timber and Recycled Wood Create a Sustainable Community Space

Author:
Nastarn Razavi
Vertical Timber and Recycled Wood Create a Sustainable Community Space
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Incorporating vertical timber and recycled wood, the structure utilizes a water recycling unit and passive solar shading to create a sustainable community coffee house that fosters ecological awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sustainable design features a water recycling unit.
02
Incorporates passive solar shading through a vertical fin.
03
Utilizes recycled wood for all major structural elements.
04
Integrates hanging vegetation for improved air quality.
05
Transportable structure allows site flexibility.

The Big Tiny Coffee House offers a practical response to sustainable living, connecting with its natural environment. Set in an inviting location, the coffee house serves as a community space where people can gather and enjoy refreshments. The design draws on the four basic elements—Fire, Water, Air, and Earth—each thoughtfully integrated into the structure to promote a sense of harmony.

Key Features
Several important features highlight the focus on sustainability. Hanging vegetation is included, enhancing the visual appeal while improving air quality and biodiversity. A small cabin element with solar panels is prominent, emphasizing a commitment to renewable energy and energy-efficient design.

Water Conservation
A water recycling unit is an important part of the design, showcasing responsible water management practices. This feature reinforces the goal of reducing waste and encourages users to consider their water use. The careful design encourages a holistic approach to ecological living, making sustainability a practical aspect of daily life.

Architectural Elements
The vertical fin serves a key role by providing passive solar shading, helping to manage light and heat inside the building. Seasonal or year-round greenery is thoughtfully positioned to block summer sunlight, ensuring comfort throughout the year. These elements are designed not only for efficiency but also to create an inviting atmosphere that connects the building with its surroundings.

Material Choices
The design prominently features vertical timber panels and recycled wood. These materials support the structure while reflecting a commitment to minimizing environmental impact. The natural textures and colors of the wood enhance the feelings of warmth and connection to nature, enriching the experience for visitors.


The elevations of the building highlight both public and private areas, promoting interaction among users while offering spaces for quiet moments. A notable detail is the transportable nature of the structure, allowing it to adapt to different locations easily. This flexibility enhances its usability and accommodates a variety of community needs.

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