Archello Awards 2025: Open for Entries! Submit your best projects now.
Archello Awards 2025: Open for Entries!
Submit your best projects now.

Sustainable design

An overview of projects, products and exclusive articles about sustainable design

Project • By NEXT architectsPrimary Schools

Kindcentrum Middenwaard

Children’s Center Middenwaard in Amstelveen was designed with the underlying idea that the building is part of the surrounding greenery; The building and the outdoor areas fit together well, together they form one whole. The new children’s center, which houses a school, daycare and gymnasium, has been kept as compact as possible, leaving more space for the outdoors. The design is elongated, with a narrower section in the middle, which leaves space outside for the line of sight from east to west; this allows the surrounding greenery to continue well. On the east side, the building shifts slightly to the north and on the west side to the south. This creates a playful shape that fits in perfectly with the surroundings and provide... More

Project • By Studio SKLIMExhibitions

Lo-Hi Tech: The New Primitive Hut

“Lo-Hi Tech: The New Primitive Hut” redefines spatial architecture through lightweight modular plant biocomposite structures. This project extends our exploration of “Natural Climate Tech” by integrating terracotta and plant fibres to foster sustainable materials, integrated building systems, renewable energy solutions, and biodiversity.  Ong Chan Hao Inspired by architects and philosophers like Viollet-le-Duc, Laugier, and Vitruvius, who rooted architecture in nature, this project poses a speculative question: How can the evolution of the "primitive hut" integrate more deeply with nature and modern technology to tackle future climate challenges? Ong Chan Hao This research emphasizes using naturally... More

Project • By GV+ArquitectosPrivate Houses

Casa JP

Location: Oeiras, PortugalYear: 2024Client: PrivateStatus: In development Caption Set on a sloping terrain, this three-storey residence is organized across a sequence of staggered levels, using the site’s natural topography as a key design element. The massing is clad in two tones of natural stone: a darker grey envelops the lower levels, grounding the building and providing a sense of solidity, while a lighter cream stone defines the upper volume, evoking lightness and suspension. Caption The top floor accommodates the garage and a gym, and serves as the main entrance to the house. The intermediate level is dedicated to social areas — an office, living room, and open-plan kitchen — which open directly onto an... More

Project • By Oasis MeuBoathouses

Houseboat Amor

The new Houseboat Amor by Oasis Meu represents the next generation of floating living.Building on the signature elegance of the original design, the new Amor introduces enhanced materials, smarter technologies, and an even deeper connection to the environment. With its distinctive circular forms, refined metal slatted facades, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, the new Amor offers a fully immersive living experience. Expansive terraces, panoramic glass walls, and energy-efficient solutions — including solar integration and eco-certified materials — set new standards for sustainable luxury on water. Caption The interior has been reimagined for greater flexibility, offering modular layouts tailored to individual lifestyles,... More

Project • By Van Aelst I NguyenUniversities

Hanoi Eco School / Odile Vandermeeren, Van Aelst I Nguyen & Partners, NDC , Boydens , Ney.

The design concept behind the materialization of this building is rooted in the traditional Vietnamese house pitch roof constructed from clay. The traditional approach has been seamlessly integrated into the contemporary design, where vertical walls have been carefully angled to reflect the traditional roof geometry and realized through horizontal clay slats. Incorporating small bamboo plantings in the front facade provides a natural shading solution, reducing the building's heat load and energy consumption. Hunter Douglas Việt Nam The Ministry of Construction's goal in developing an exemplary building for the College CUWC is to not only showcase green design but also to introduce students to green technologies. The MOC Building archi... More

Project • By Gortemaker Algra FeenstraHospitals

Rijnstate Entreehal

The renovated entrance of Rijnstate Arnhem is an important step in the modernization and sustainability of the hospital. The new entrance pavilion combines functionality with a warm and inviting appearance. The prominent wooden structure, made of regional larch wood, combined with extensive glass and views of greenery, contributes to a welcoming atmosphere and enhances the well-being of patients and visitors. Lucas van der Wee Sustainable DesignSustainability was a key focus from the very beginning. The choice was made for a structure built from Dutch larch wood. The pavilion is designed as a table construction: a flat roof supported by wooden columns, connected to the existing main building. This eliminated the need for additional br... More

Project • By Vizdome SpacePrivate Houses

Moon Sail. A private house

Moonsail House is a private residence designed for three generations of a family. The project is the Bronze Winner in international Global Architecture Awards 2024 and Winner in Architect of the Year Awards 2024. Caption The parents are fashion designers, the grandparents are retired and enjoy reading, while the sons produce music and the daughters are into arts and painting. The house is located on Astypalea Island, Greece. The source of inspiration for the exterior of the house was the image of a sailing vessel. The moonsail is the topmost sail on large sailing vessels. Caption The building has three wings: the parents’ wing, the sons’ wing and the daughter’s wing. The parents' wing includes the following l... More

Project • By Little Diversified Architectural ConsultingShowrooms

Farrow & Ball Showroom - Dallas, Texas

Nestled in the heart of the Dallas Design District, the Farrow & Ball showroom stands as the British paint brand’s largest North American location to date. Housed in an adaptive reuse space, this 6,000-square-foot showroom seamlessly blends luxury, functionality, and community engagement, reinforcing Farrow & Ball’s legacy of high-quality paints, exquisite wallpapers, and a commitment to sustainability. Kevin Brown A Space Designed for InspirationWith a design that mirrors the brand’s refined yet inviting aesthetic, the showroom provides a carefully curated experience. The space features hospitality areas where designers can comfortably collaborate with clients, offering expert color advice and consultations.... More

NewsNews • 10 Feb 2025

UNStudio’s new Chongqing development balances demand for high-rise living with health and well-being of residents

International architecture and design practice UNStudio has completed 18T Mansion, a high-rise residential development in the city of Chongqing, China. The development addresses the demand for high-rise living in a densely populated urban center while emphasizing a commitment to the health and well-being of its residents. A clear focus on improving living, communal, and recreational spaces resulted in 18T Mansion achieving a WELL Platinum Certification, the first for a residential project in Southwestern China. Kris Provoost Kris Provoost Ben van Berkel, Founder / Principal Architect, UNStudio, describes 18T Mansion as representing a “transformative urban revitalization initiative in the heart of Chongqing that is d... More

Project • By Moriyama Teshima ArchitectsPrivate Houses

Infinity House

Infinity House, a private residence located on the shoreline of Lake Ontario, is intended to be a gathering place to bring together the family and friends of the owners—a couple entering retirement after substantial careers. Thoughtfully crafted at every level, this custom-designed home provides for an elegant lifestyle of comfort, while simultaneously accomplishing an unpretentious, modern design that respects the environment and architecturally celebrates the historically significant natural landscape of the Niagara region building site.  Riley Snelling Riley Snelling The name Infinity House is inherently inspired by the impressive panorama of the waterfront, existing as a humbling piece of artwork that is framed by... More

Project • By Moriyama Teshima ArchitectsOffices

Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation HQ

The Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) Headquarters and Multi-Tenant Commercial Building is a progressive 3-storey, 124,000 SF fully exposed mass timber project that uses net-zero strategies, and seamlessly integrates commercial opportunities with the relocation and revitalization of the OSSTF’s offices in Toronto. The building houses the OSSTF—an organization that represents all education professionals in the secondary school system in Ontario, as well as additional tenants. All design decisions were rigorously assessed for long-term value, health and wellness of employees, and operational savings. Designed to the highest environmental standards, the facility is built on a foundation of social, environm... More

Project • By KollektiveLandUrban Green Spaces

Mél-usine au jardin - Lausanne Jardins 24

The landscape installation "Mél-usine au jardin" forms part of the 2024 edition of Lausanne Jardins, a quinquennial cultural festival that celebrates landscape architecture as a way to transform, enliven and develop the city. Michael Hartwell Martin Koenig Martin Koenig Mél-usine au Jardin serves as a testing ground to explore the relationship between industry, water, soil and plants, utilising the principles of phytoremediation to absorb and break down environmental pollutants present in Lac Léman and its surrounding areas. Our project showcases how performative landscapes closely integrate environmental considerations with user experience. KollektiveLand More

Project • By INMONI designApartments

Clubhouse Apartment

The focal point of this apartment is the open-plan kitchen, dining and living area. We designed a compact island, a spacious dining table for 6-8 people and a cozy seating area for friendly gatherings. Ilya Ivanov Ilya Ivanov Ilya Ivanov In contrast to the spacious common area, the bedrooms are compact. To maintain a sense of openness, cabinets with transparent fronts and dark back panels were chosen, and most of the furniture was raised off the floor with brackets or elegant legs. The wall colors in these rooms are intentionally darker than in the main space - dark surfaces appear further away than light ones. This creates a smooth transition from brighter areas to darker ones without noticeably reducing the space. Ilya... More

Project • By Studio Arte architecture & designPrivate Houses

Quinta da Lila

Our exceptional transformation of a historic ruin nestled in the serene valleys of Monchique offers a unique blend of rustic charm and contemporary comfort. Zavial Studio Zavial Studio Zavial Studio Zavial Studio Zavial Studio Zavial Studio Every detail of our renovation has been carefully considered to create a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The spacious interiors are bathed in natural light, and the modern amenities seamlessly blend with the rustic architecture. Zavial Studio Zavial Studio Zavial Studio Zavial Studio Zavial Studio Zavial Studio Zavial Studio As we developed the property, we remained committed to our eco-friendly principles. By in... More

NewsNews • 12 Nov 2024

CAN adds verdant extension to London terrace

Architectural studio CAN has completed the extension of a terraced house in Stoke Newington, London, with a design inspired by nature and a connection to the outdoors. The home’s once disjointed ground floor is now a thriving open-plan kitchen and dining space that flows into the garden via a bespoke curved window and large glazed door. CAN’s thoughtful transformation makes use of natural materials, greenery, and the color green to create a verdant extension. Rick Pushinsky Rick Pushinsky CAN The original ground-floor layout had a series of disconnected spaces and a conservatory in need of repair. CAN redesigned the ground floor by constructing a glulam-framed extension on the side and rear of the pro... More