Introduction
As contemporary architecture continually evolves, the practice of adaptive reuse has emerged as a crucial approach for addressing both preservation and innovation. “Rebirth: Old Structures, New Homes,” presented by Archiol Competitions, is a design challenge that celebrates this intersection by inviting participants to breathe new life into historic or outdated buildings.
In a world where sustainability and historical preservation are increasingly valued, repurposing old structures offers a powerful opportunity to honor the past while embracing the future. This competition encourages architects and designers to embark on a creative journey, transforming structures that once served different functions into vibrant, modern residences. The goal is to strike a harmonious balance between preserving the architectural and cultural essence of these buildings and integrating them with contemporary residential needs and sustainability practices.
Participants are tasked with envisioning how these structures can be adapted to meet the evolving requirements of today’s homeowners. The designs should not only reflect a deep respect for the building’s historical significance but also address modern living standards, such as energy efficiency, comfort, and accessibility. Through this competition, we seek innovative solutions that redefine how we interact with and inhabit our built heritage, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and culturally rich future.
“Rebirth: Old Structures, New Homes” is more than just a design challenge—it’s an opportunity to create spaces that honor history while setting a new standard for adaptive reuse in architecture. We invite you to explore the potential of these old structures and contribute to a reimagined future where the past and present coexist in harmony.
Objective
The primary objective of the “Rebirth: Old Structures, New Homes” competition is to ignite creative solutions in the adaptive reuse of historically significant buildings, transforming them into modern, functional residences. This challenge is designed to explore how old structures can be revitalized and repurposed, merging historical integrity with contemporary living standards.
Participants are tasked with the following key objectives:
Innovative Transformation: Develop designs that creatively repurpose existing buildings, maintaining their historical essence while adapting them into modern homes. The goal is to find innovative ways to reimagine spaces that honor their past but function effectively in the present.
Integration of Modern Amenities: Address the complexities of integrating modern residential needs within the constraints of existing structures. This includes incorporating updated utilities, amenities, and technologies while respecting the building’s original character.
Sustainability: Implement energy-efficient solutions and sustainable practices in the design process. This involves not only reducing the environmental impact but also enhancing the building’s performance and livability through green technologies and sustainable materials.
Historical Respect: Ensure that the new design respects and preserves the historical significance of the building. This means carefully balancing modern interventions with the preservation of key architectural elements and cultural heritage.
Functional Living Spaces: Create functional and comfortable living environments that meet contemporary standards. Designs should address residential needs such as privacy, comfort, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal while making the most of the existing architectural features.
Overall, the competition seeks to highlight how historical structures can be thoughtfully and effectively adapted to meet today’s housing demands, fostering a dialogue between past and present in the realm of architectural design.
The Building Program
Type of Structure: Participants may select from a variety of existing structures, including warehouses, factories, schools, and churches.
Residential Requirements: The design should accommodate typical residential functions, such as living areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchen spaces.
Functionality: Designs must incorporate contemporary standards for comfort and accessibility while preserving the building’s historic features.
Site
The competition allows participants to choose their own site for the adaptive reuse project, provided that the selected structure has historical or architectural significance. Participants are encouraged to select sites that present unique challenges and opportunities for creative transformation.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a core aspect of this competition. Participants are expected to incorporate eco-friendly practices in their designs, including but not limited to:
Energy-efficient systems
Sustainable materials
Waste reduction strategies
Integration of green spaces
Timeline
Registration Deadline: 10 January 2026
Submission Deadline: 20 January 2026
Result Announcement: 20 April 2026
