Buildner: The Latest Architecture and News

Buildner has released the results of its Denver Single Stair Housing Challenge, an international design challenge inviting architects, designers, and urban planners to explore innovative solutions for high-density residential living. Participants were tasked with reimagining a common point access block typology—often characterized by vertical circulation concentrated in a compact core—and transforming it into a more sustainable, community-oriented, and adaptable living environment. The competition was focused on sites in Denver, Colorado, though its issues are relevant to urban situations throughout the United States and around the globe.

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a remarkable transformation, guided by Vision 2030, with investments in tourism, culture, technology, and sustainability reshaping the Kingdom's identity. As part of this cultural evolution, the Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge, organized by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative (an initiative by Al Fozan Social Foundation), invites architects and artists to shape Saudi Arabia's evolving public spaces through contemporary sculptural design.

Buildner has released the results of the Morocco Oasis Retreat Competition, an international design challenge inviting architects, designers, and urbanists to envision a self-sustaining oasis in the Moroccan desert. Participants were tasked with designing an architectural intervention that responds to the region's extreme climate, integrating shelter, water conservation strategies, and energy-efficient design.

The competition encouraged exploration of how architecture can support resilience in remote environments while drawing from both traditional building techniques and modern sustainability principles. Entrants had the flexibility to determine the scale and purpose of their projects. Key considerations included passive cooling strategies, resource management, and integration with the desert landscape. The competition highlights the role of architecture in creating functional and sustainable spaces in challenging environments. Full details on the winning projects are available on the Morocco Oasis Retreat Competition website.

Buildner has released the results of its Pape Info Point Competition, organized in partnership with The Latvia Programme of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Latvia) which focuses on environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable resource management in Latvia.

This international competition invited architects and designers to propose a new visitor information point for Pape Nature Park, a protected area on Latvia's Baltic coast. Participants were challenged to design a structure that enhances the park's role in conservation and ecotourism while blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. The goal was to create an engaging and educational space that informs visitors about the park's rich biodiversity, migratory bird populations, and unique ecosystems while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.

Buildner in collaboration with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), invites architects, designers, and visionaries worldwide to participate in the Dubai Urban Elements Design Challenge. This international competition seeks innovative designs for small-scale architectural elements that enhance public spaces and contribute to Dubai's evolving urban identity.

The registration period for MICROHOME 2025 Competition is coming to a close. The competition offers a 100,000 EUR prize fund to celebrate cutting-edge, sustainable solutions for compact housing. Sponsored by Kingspan, this global competition invites architects, designers, and creative thinkers to redefine the concept of small-scale living.

Visit the competition page to register before the deadline on 13 February 2025.

In the world of architecture, competitions often serve as platforms for creativity, experimentation, and problem-solving. For Daniel Rojas, Founding Partner of Wandrian Studios, winning the 2023-2024 MICROHOME competition, sponsored by Buildner and Kingspan, was a transformative moment. His project, Urban Residential Pods, addresses the global housing crisis by reimagining vacant office spaces as compact, sustainable homes.

Rojas' design strikes a balance between innovation, functionality, and sustainability, offering a glimpse into how architecture can address some of today's most pressing challenges. As the next edition of the competition approaches, Rojas shares insights into his winning project and offers advice to future participants.

Visit the MICROHOME competition site for details in the open 2025 edition and to register before the deadline on February 13.

The city of Kharkiv has faced significant challenges due to its proximity to the Russian border. Amidst these circumstances, Kharkiv's Mayor, Ihor Terekhov, underscored the need for a new landmark during the United Nations' Second Forum of Mayors—a project that could embody renewal, resilience, and hope. The Freedom Square International Competition was launched as part of this vision, inviting local and international experts to propose innovative designs for Freedom Square and the Kharkiv Regional State Administration Building.

This competition is part of the broader Kharkiv Masterplan Concept, an initiative led by the Kharkiv City Council in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Norman Foster Foundation, Arup, and local architects and experts. The Masterplan Concept seeks to guide Kharkiv's regeneration by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking urban environment while honoring the city's historical identity.

The MICROHOME 2025 Competition by Buildner is back, offering a record-breaking 100,000 EUR prize fund to celebrate cutting-edge, sustainable solutions for compact housing. Sponsored by Kingspan, this global competition invites architects, designers, and creative thinkers to redefine the concept of microhomes.

Register before the deadline on 13 February 2025.

Unbuilt projects hold untapped potential. They tell stories of creativity, vision, and exploration. The Unbuilt Award 2025 shines a spotlight on these extraordinary designs, creating a platform for ideas that redefine boundaries.

With categories for small, medium, and large-scale projects, this competition ensures every vision receives the attention it deserves. No qualifications are required—this open call is for everyone, everywhere.