Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Wind-Capture Systems and Local Sandstone Create A Sustainable Residential Haven

Authors:
Hristo Borisov Angelov, Angel Stefanov Sandov
Wind-Capture Systems and Local Sandstone Create A Sustainable Residential Haven

Project in-detail

Incorporating wind-capture systems and locally sourced sandstone, the design seamlessly blends traditional architectural elements with modern sustainability practices to provide a functional and comfortable residential space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a hydraloop system for efficient water recycling.
02
Utilizes locally sourced sandstone to enhance environmental integration.
03
Features a wind-capture design for passive ventilation.
04
Integrates advanced thermal insulation with precast concrete elements.
05
Design promotes natural outdoor living spaces through expansive openings.

### Concept Overview

Located in the Gulf region, the project aims to harmonize traditional Middle Eastern design principles with contemporary architectural innovations. It positions itself as a living narrative that encapsulates the interplay between historical context, cultural significance, and modern technology, resulting in a functional and aesthetically coherent residential space.

### Design Elements

#### Massing and Form

The architectural composition features a balanced interplay of solid and void spaces, facilitating both street access and room orientation. The facade incorporates projected and recessed segments, which enhance visual depth, while external shading devices emphasize horizontal lines. Vertical design elements, including pillars and walls, contribute to the building's overall stature, creating a dynamic presence.

#### Materials and Sustainability

The selected materials are integral to the project’s commitment to sustainability and local context:

- **Precast Concrete**: Chosen for durability and thermal efficiency.
- **Wood Cladding**: Provides warmth and reflects a preference for natural materials.
- **Sandstone**: Locally sourced, it creates a connection to the regional landscape.
- **Split Face Travertine**: Adds texture and complexity to the exterior.
- **Glass Bricks**: Facilitate natural light while maintaining privacy.
- **EPS (Expanded Polystyrene)**: Enhances insulation and thermal performance.
- **Hydraloop System**: Facilitates water recycling, emphasizing resource efficiency.
- **Solar Panels**: Integrated to support renewable energy objectives.

These materials align with the project’s sustainability goals while ensuring practicality and longevity.

### Spatial Organization

A deliberate layout divides private and public areas with a focus on functionality. The ground floor encompasses parking, a driver’s room, kitchen and dining zones, and multi-purpose spaces, along with outdoor dining areas. The first floor features private quarters, including master and guest bedrooms, a home office, and additional living spaces. The design promotes natural ventilation and daylighting, respecting traditional practices that enhance comfort in warm climates.

### Innovative Features

Key innovations include wind-capture components for passive cooling, adherence to local building codes merged with renewable energy solutions, and the effective implementation of the Hydraloop system to diminish water consumption. The architecture is designed with flexibility in mind, accommodating potential future alterations to suit changing family dynamics.

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