Architecture contest
BEST HOUSE IN THE WORLD
Architecture contest
BEST HOUSE IN THE WORLD
Welcome to ‘Best House in the World’, a new competition to discover and reward residential architectural designs that are in the process of development or tendering, prior to construction. Real projects, with real clients and real plots, designed by architects who want to reach new standards of excellence and quality in the construction of their residential projects.
In ‘Best House in the World’, we are looking for that exactly – the best house in the world. A house that combines innovation, functionality and aesthetic beauty with sustainable practices and advanced technologies. Architects from all over the world can participate in this new international architecture competition, in which inHAUS poses the challenge of industrialised construction to the most daring and creative designs. Dare to challenge its innovative off-site construction system.
In collaboration with
With the support of
Media partner
Media partner
The jury of the competition is composed of internationally distinguished professionals from renowned design and architecture studios. Sofie Thorning (Senior Partner at Norm Architects), Tristán López-Chicheri (CEO of L35), Taba Rasti (Senior Partner at Foster + Partners), David Basulto (Founder of Archdaily), Sebastian Herkner and Rubén Navarro (CEO of inHAUS). Their experience and vision will ensure a forward-looking and innovative evaluation of the projects.
The prizes stipulated in the competition rules will recognise excellence in architectural design and encourage innovative and sustainable practices in construction. Depending on the category entered, the following prizes will be awarded:
Houses over 1,000m²
Prize of €60,600
Houses between 500m² and 1,000m².
Prize of €30,300
Houses up to 500m²
Prize of €20,200
The application process and subsequent stages of the competition are designed to facilitate the participation of architects from around the world and ensure that each project meets our standards of quality and feasibility. The stages from registration to shortlisting are detailed here.
November – Submission of applications – from 20 November 2024 to 31 May 2025.
June – Pre-selection and jury meeting – between 1 June and 31 August 2025.
September – Election of winners – between 1 September and 30 September 2025.
October – Award ceremony and presentation of prizes – Between 1 and 31 October 2025.
You can enter the competition if you have a real residential project in the pre-construction phase, whether in the design phase or in the tendering phase, and with an approximate budget. It must be a real project, with real clients and a real plot, sufficiently advanced to demonstrate feasibility.
Pre-register by filling in the following form, once we receive your application we will contact you to request the necessary information to complete the registration.
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The ‘Best House in the World’ competition aims to identify and award residential architectural projects currently in the pre-construction phase that stand out for their design, innovation and sustainability. We are looking for proposals that can be built using the inHAUS modular construction system and that represent a breakthrough in modern residential architecture.
Contest rules
The ‘Best House in the World’ competition aims to identify and reward residential architectural projects in progress that stand out for their design, innovation and sustainability..
Contact
For any additional questions or for more information about the competition, we invite you to contact us through our registration form available in this section of the website.
Registration
Who can participate in the competition? The competition is open to architects, designers and engineers from all over the world. Participants must submit real projects, supported by real clients and with real budgets. Projects in the pre-construction phase.
FAQ
Here you will find a list of frequently asked questions that commonly arise in reference to the competition. This list contains the answers to these questions in a clear and complete manner.
Jury
Rubén Navarro
As CEO of inHAUS, Rubén Navarro has pioneered the application of technological and sustainable innovations in modular housing construction. Under his leadership, inHAUS has gained recognition for its focus on quality, custom design and efficiency, making the company a benchmark in the modular construction sector.
David Basulto
Founder of ArchDaily, David Basulto has been a key figure in the democratisation of architectural knowledge through his platform, which is one of the most visited globally by architecture professionals. His focus on innovation and new technologies makes him an essential juror in evaluating projects that seek to redefine living space.
Tristán López-Chicheri
Managing Director of L35 Architects. An international architectural practice renowned for its focus on sustainability and innovation in urban projects. He has led numerous landmark projects around the world and brings a valuable perspective on urban development and modern architectural design.
Taba Rasti
Senior Partner at Foster + Partners. Co-director of the Madrid office of Foster + Partners, one of the most innovative and prestigious architectural practices in the world. Taba Rasti, with over 20 years of experience, has worked internationally on a wide range of projects, from cultural buildings and the regeneration of historic buildings to workspaces and large residential developments. She brings invaluable experience in sustainable and high-tech design.
Sofie Thorning
Senior Architect at Norm Architects. Sofie, as Senior Architect and Partner of Norm Architects, becomes a key member of our jury. Based in Copenhagen, Norm Architects is known for its focus on minimalism, functionality and beauty. Her work emphasizes quality materials, simplicity and the interaction of spaces with light and atmosphere, elements that are crucial to the design of residential spaces.
Sebastian Herkner
Designer. Sebastian Herkner is a German designer who has won numerous awards for his focus on detail, colour and the fusion of tradition and modernity. His expertise in product design brings a valuable perspective on aesthetics and functionality in architecture.
Contest rules
1. Objective of the competition:
The ‘Best House in the World’ competition aims to identify and reward residential architectural projects that are in the process of development or tendering, prior to their construction, and that stand out for their design, innovation and sustainability. We are looking for proposals that can be built using the inHAUS modular construction system and that represent a breakthrough in the off-site construction practices of contemporary residential architecture.
2. Participants:
This competition is open to architects, designers and engineers from all over the world. Participants must submit real projects that are supported by real clients and with real budgets. Projects under development, prior to construction. The projects must be submitted by the studios, although it is essential that the client (owner of the future house) is fully informed and in agreement with the conditions and characteristics of the competition.
Participation is free of charge, there is no need to prepare any panel. The studio can register directly by attaching the material available at that time, it being essential to have an approximate budget for the construction of the house.
3. Awards:
The ‘Best House in the World’ competition offers significant prizes designed to recognise and reward excellence in architectural design and innovation. In addition to the corresponding worldwide dissemination and visibility, a financial contribution will be given in two phases, one part directly associated with the award and another part in the event that the project is finally manufactured with the inHAUS Houses industrialised construction system.
Award categories:
The competition distributes prizes in three categories based on the size of the designed dwelling:
– XL SIZE: For projects over 1,000 m². Prize of €60,600 divided in two parts:
Direct prize: €3,000
Prize associated with the manufacture of the house: €57,600
– L SIZE: : For projects between 500 m² and 1,000 m². Prize of €30,300 divided into two parts:
Direct prize: €1,500
Prize associated with the manufacture of the house: 28,800 €.
– M SIZE: For projects up to 500 m². Prize of €20,200 divided into two parts:
Direct prize: €1,000
Prize associated with the manufacture of the house: 19,200 €.
Methods of payment:
The economic contribution directly related to the prize will be paid by bank transfer to the account provided by the winner. The financial contribution of the prize associated with the construction of the house will be distributed progressively, according to the certification of the percentage of completed construction of the house. This process ensures that the funds are delivered in parallel to the actual progress of the project, which benefits both the architect and the organisation of the competition, guaranteeing the proper completion of the work.
Obligations of the winners
Winning architects must undertake to follow the competition guidelines, including adherence to deadlines, use of materials initially specified and cooperation with the certification process. They must be available for consultation and follow-up during the pre-selection process and, in the case of manufacturing the house with Casas inHAUS S.L.U., during construction and until the completion of the project.
Important notice
In the event that the projects presented do not reach the expected levels of quality and viability, the jury reserves the right to leave any or all of the categories vacant. The jury’s decision will be final and not subject to appeal.
4. Timeline of the process:
The application process and subsequent stages of the competition are designed to facilitate the participation of architects from all over the world and to ensure that each project meets our standards of quality and feasibility, as well as local regulations affecting the final implementation destination of the project. Here are the stages from registration to pre-selection:
Application deadline:
Open from 20 November 2024 to 31 May 2025. During this period, interested parties can register and attach their proposals.
To register, participants must have a project already started and an approximate budget. It is not necessary to have a fully developed project at this stage.
During this period the competition organisers may contact the entrant for further information if necessary.
Submission of projects:
Projects should include floor and elevation plans, plot location, visualisations, and as detailed and itemised a budget as possible.
Pre-selection:
Pre-selection Period: from the time the deadline for submission of projects begins until 31 August 2025. Projects will be initially reviewed to ensure that they meet the basic requirements.
Finalist architects, as well as their clients, will be invited to visit our facilities to learn about the inHAUS construction process and confirm their interest and commitment to move forward to the nomination.
inHAUS will cover travel and accommodation expenses for the architect and their client during this phase.
These stages are designed to give participants the opportunity to fine-tune and refine their proposals before the final evaluation, ensuring that all submitted projects reach the highest standards of quality and feasibility before being considered by the jury.
Jury Decision:
The jury will meet between 1 June and 31 August 2025 to evaluate all submitted projects and select the winners. Thus announcing the winners during the month of September 2025.
Award Ceremony:
The awards ceremony will take place in October 2025, where the winning projects will be announced and excellence in architectural design will be celebrated.
5. Registration:
To register, participants must have a project already started and an approximate budget. It is not necessary to have the project fully developed at this stage, but it must be sufficiently advanced to demonstrate its seriousness and feasibility.
Start your participation by completing the registration form available on the button below. This form is your first step in submitting your design proposal to us.
You will need to provide basic information about yourself (as an architect or designer), your team (if applicable), contact details, and a preliminary description of your project. This includes the location, the client for whom you are designing, and a summary of the vision for the project.
The budget submitted should cover the construction of the house only. It does not include other exterior fittings such as landscaping, fencing, pathways, swimming pool, etc. These elements can be budgeted separately but do not form part of the main object of the competition.
Once we receive your form, our team will carry out a preliminary evaluation to determine if your proposal is suitable to advance to the next phase of the competition.
If your project advances, we will contact you to request more detailed information and specific documents to support your proposal.
Application form:
Submission of projects
All projects must be submitted by the 31st of May 2025.
For registration, you must provide as much information as possible for evaluation: architectural plans, visualisations and as detailed a budget as possible. This includes all necessary architectural plans, visualisations, a detailed budget and a breakdown of budget items.
It is important that the project is sufficiently developed to demonstrate its feasibility, both technically and economically. Although the project does not need to be fully developed at the initial registration stage, it must be ready and fully detailed by the time the competition closes (this information will be requested from you as you progress through the pre-selection phase). Projects that make it to the final phase must be submitted in a format that details all the specifications required by our technical team.
This final presentation is a standardised panel format in order to provide the jury with information in a clear and homogenised way.
Important Considerations:
Please be sure to read all terms and conditions of the competition carefully before submitting your entry. We recommend that you keep a record of all documents and correspondence related to your entry and participation in the competition.
5. Evalutaion Criteria:
Projects will be judged on design, functionality, innovation, sustainability, economic and constructive feasibility. The jury will also consider how the design integrates with the local environment and responds to the client’s needs.
6. Production and Promotion of Winning Projects:
In the event that the winning projects are manufactured at Casas inHAUS facilities, once the homes are manufactured they will be transported to their destination for final installation. During the entire process, photographs, videos and other promotional materials of the house will be taken and used by inHAUS. In addition, the house must be open for visits for the first three weeks after completion for promotional purposes. The customer must accept these conditions as part of the competition participation agreement.
7. Rights and Intellectual Property:
All submitted projects remain the property of their authors. inHAUS and the sponsors reserve the right to use the projects for promotional purposes, always acknowledging the authorship of the project.
8. Acceptance of Rules:
Participation in this competition implies full acceptance of these rules. Any situation not foreseen in these rules will be resolved by the competition organising committee and its decision will be final.
FAQ
We are here to help you and make sure your contest experience is as smooth and rewarding as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need clarification on any aspect of the contest or if you require additional information.
Who can participate in the competition?
The competition is open to architects, designers and engineers from all over the world. Participants must submit real projects that are supported by real clients with real budgets. Projects that are in the execution phase prior to construction. These projects do not necessarily have to be modular or for industrialised or off-site fabrication.
What are the selection criteria for projects?
Projects will be judged on innovation, sustainability, aesthetics, functionality and resource efficiency. The jury will also consider how the design integrates with the local environment and responds to the client’s needs.
What are the key dates for the competition?
Entries will be open from 20 November 2024 until 31 May 2025. The deadline for receipt of projects is 31 May 2025. The pre-selection period will be from the start of registration until 31 August 2025. The jury will meet between 1 June and 31 August 2025. The winners will be announced in September and the awards ceremony in October 2025. See our competition competition calendar for more details.
Is there an entry fee to participate?
No, participation in the competition is free of charge. No entry fee is required.
How should I submit my project?
Projects must be submitted in digital format through our registration platform. You must include plans, descriptions, images and any other documents that support your proposal. It must also be accompanied by an approximate budget for the construction of the house (excluding works on the plot).
Can I submit more than one project?
Yes, participants may submit multiple projects, but each project must be submitted separately and comply with all registration requirements.
What prizes are awarded?
We offer prizes in three project size categories: over 1,000m², between 500m² and 1,000m², and up to 500m². The prizes are divided into two parts, on the one hand there is a direct financial contribution at the time of awarding the prize and, on the other hand, a financial contribution directly related to the construction of the house if it is manufactured on inHAUS premises. The exact details are available in our awards section of the website.
Who are the members of the jury?
The jury is made up of leading professionals from the world of architecture and design, including well-known names such as Foster + Partners and Norm Architects. You can see the full list and their biographies in the jury section of the website.
How will the intellectual property of my project be protected?
All projects submitted will remain the intellectual property of their creators. The competition undertakes not to reproduce, exhibit or use the projects without the explicit consent of the authors. The authors will be mentioned in all reproductions or dissemination by inHAUS of images of the project. No responsibility and no obligation is assumed if this publication is made by an external media outside the control of Casas inHAUS.
Where can I find more information if I have further questions?
If you have further questions, you can contact us directly via email at the address provided in the contact section.
Will the winning projects actually be built?
Yes, if an agreement is reached between the architectural firm, the client and Casas inHAUS, the winning projects will be built using the inHAUS off-site construction system. This process will be carried out in-house, ensuring that every aspect of the design is executed with the highest quality and precision. Upon completion of construction, the house will be transported and placed on site.
What are the specific requirements of the inHAUS construction system for projects?
Projects must be freely designed without any restrictions, in the pre-selection phase it will be the inHAUS team who will assess the feasibility of building with our prefabricated modular system to go ahead with the process. This includes considerations on dimensions, materials, and construction techniques that are compatible with our technology and off-site manufacturing processes.
How does inHAUS ensure the feasibility of the submitted projects?
During the evaluation process, in addition to aesthetic and functional criteria, our technical team will review each project to ensure that it meets our modular construction capabilities. Projects must be technically feasible to be considered for the award associated with the manufacturing of the project.
What stage or phase does the project need to be at in order to apply?
Contact us directly at: bhw@casasinhaus.com if you have more specific questions about this so that we can better guide you.
Contact
For any additional questions or for more information about the ‘Best House in the World’ competition, we invite you to contact us directly via our email address: bhw@casasinhaus.com. We are committed to answering all questions in a timely and detailed manner to help you participate in an informed and effective way in the competition.
