MARCH Materials Architecture Competition
Overview
The MARCH Materials Architecture Competition is now open for submissions from architects and interior architects across Europe and the UK. This international competition aims to showcase built projects that effectively integrate sustainable materials, demonstrating that even small steps toward sustainability matter. With a total prize pool of €3,500, this is a unique opportunity for architects to share their commitment to responsible design and become part of the growing MARCH network for sustainable construction.
Why You Should Participate
This competition offers more than just awards—it provides long-term exposure for participants through MARCH, the first visual sourcing engine dedicated to sustainable materials. Winning or selected projects will be featured permanently on the platform, giving studios the chance to inspire peers, reach new clients, and actively contribute to the transition toward sustainable architecture. The competition is also a platform to celebrate designs that combine both traditional and innovative materials, recognizing that progress, not perfection, drives meaningful change.
Key Highlights
- Eligibility: Open to architecture and interior architecture studios across Europe and the UK.
- Project Type: Built projects of any type and size, completed and located within Europe or the UK.
- Material Requirements: Minimum of 5 materials per project submission, classified under one or more of the following: bio-based, biodegradable, circular, or local.
- Submission Format: Online submission form detailing the project and materials used.
Entry Fees
| Registration Type | Deadline | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird | June 15, 2025 | €18 |
| Regular Entry | July 15, 2025 | €32 |
| Late Entry | July 31, 2025 | €40 |
Prizes and Recognition
| Category | Prize Amount |
|---|---|
| LARGE (over 1,000 sqm) | €2,000 |
| MEDIUM (500–1,000 sqm) | €1,000 |
| SMALL (up to 500 sqm) | €500 |
- All winning entries will gain permanent exposure on MARCH’s visual search platform.
- Selected participants may also receive continued professional visibility and project features across MARCH’s media and exhibitions.
Submission Details
Participants must:
- Fill out the official submission form online.
- Describe the project clearly and include the list of materials used (minimum 5).
- Assign each material to one or more of the four sustainability categories.
- Submit as many projects as desired with no additional entry fees.
- Await the email confirmation with payment instructions to finalize the submission.
Material Categories:
- Bio-based: e.g., bamboo, wool, hemp, flax, earth, timber.
- Biodegradable: e.g., natural fibers, mycelium, bioplastics.
- Circular: e.g., reclaimed bricks, recycled steel, reused glass.
- Local: e.g., regional stone, local timber, local bricks.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Submission Deadline | July 31, 2025 |
| Winner Announcement | October 15, 2025 |
How to Join
- Visit the official competition page and fill in the submission form.
- Include a detailed project description and at least five materials with proper categorization.
- Wait for the confirmation email and complete payment.
- Your submission is complete and will be reviewed by the expert jury.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be judged on:
- Design Quality
- Material Innovation
- Sustainability based on the submitted material types and explanations.
The jury supports projects that show meaningful attempts at sustainability, including those combining traditional and sustainable materials.
Jury Panel
- Anna Heringer – Studio Anna Heringer
- Jan Jongert – Superuse Studios, TU Delft
- Noel Justesen Wibrand – Dorte Mandrup A/S
- Ken De Cooman – BC architects & studies
- Alexandra Georgescu – KOGAA
- Colin Chee – Never Too Small
- Hattie Hartman – The Architects’ Journal
- Werner Schönthaler – Schönthaler Bausteinwerk GmbH
- Anna Pellizzari – Materially
- Olga Ioannou – TU Delft
- Leila Behjat – Healthy Materials Lab, Parsons
- Juan Carlos Bamba Vicente – UCSG
- Imme Groet – Hedgehog, Building Balance
- Hilde Vanwildemeersch – Woonder
- Dominik Campanella – Concular
- Jurgen Naets – Ecobouwers
- Marie Roels – MARCH
About the Organizer
MARCH, founded in 2025, is the first visual search engine for sustainable materials in construction. It empowers designers to access, share, and source sustainable materials. Founded by Marie Roels, Belén Martínez Benlloch, and Alexandra Servie, MARCH is a growing movement to make sustainable construction the new normal.
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