Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Water-Focused Atrium in Concrete and Glass Amidst Natural Landscapes

Author:
Klára štruplová
Water-Focused Atrium in Concrete and Glass Amidst Natural Landscapes

Project in-detail

An atrium with a central water feature and extensive glass façades merges indoor and outdoor spaces while utilizing concrete and wood to create a functional residence that emphasizes natural light and landscape integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Water feature functions as a central light source, enhancing the interior brightness.
02
Garden atriums provide natural ventilation and create private outdoor spaces.
03
The sloped roof design maximizes daylight intake and reduces energy costs.
04
Sustainable materials include local concrete and reclaimed wood, minimizing environmental impact.
05
Open-plan layout promotes spatial flexibility for various functions and living styles.

### Project Overview
"The Home of Shadows" is a modern residential design located in a tranquil setting characterized by abundant greenery and open landscapes. The project aims to redefine residential living through the integration of natural light, outdoor spaces, and minimalist aesthetics, fostering an environment that enhances the quality of life for its inhabitants.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience
The residence features a square footprint with two internal garden atriums created by subtracting smaller squares from the main volume. This configuration facilitates a dynamic relationship between private and communal spaces while seamlessly incorporating nature into the living environment. Central to the design is an atrium that includes a reflective water element, serving as both a visual focal point and a light-enhancing feature. The sloped roofs are designed to maximize daylight intake, ensuring a bright and inviting atmosphere throughout the interior, thereby enriching the daily experiences of the residents.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette of "The Home of Shadows" reflects a commitment to modern sustainable practices. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, offering durability and thermal mass. Extensive use of glass in façades promotes transparency and visual connectivity with the surroundings, effectively blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Wood is incorporated in flooring and structural details, contributing warmth and natural texture, while steel elements provide structural integrity with a refined aesthetic. Sustainability is further emphasized through the design's incorporation of natural ventilation, passive solar heating, and eco-friendly materials, aligning with contemporary architectural principles that prioritize environmental responsibility.

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