Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Aeroponic Vertical Farms Enhancing Urban Resilience Through Solar Harvesting

Authors:
Imhotep Blot, Andres Cordoba, Caleb Matheson
Aeroponic Vertical Farms Enhancing Urban Resilience Through Solar Harvesting

Project in-detail

Aeroponic vertical farms utilize solar harvesting and innovative water systems to transform neglected urban walls into sustainable food sources, enhancing community resilience in city living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes aeroponic systems for efficient vertical farming.
02
Harvests rainwater from rooftops for sustainable water supply.
03
Features solar shading systems for energy optimization.
04
Converts urban walls into productive agricultural spaces.
05
Incorporates a market area for selling excess produce.

MIGRANTS is an architectural design that seeks to address the challenges of urban living through the integration of agriculture into city life. Situated in densely populated areas, the project reconsiders the use of neglected spaces, specifically turning blank walls into vertical farms. The overall aim is to enhance self-sufficiency and resilience in urban settings, creating a multifunctional space where living and growing food can coexist.

Urban Integration

The design focuses on converting unattractive walls into productive agricultural sites. These vertical farms will serve as sources of fresh produce while improving the visual character of the city. By taking advantage of south-facing walls that receive adequate sunlight, the project is able to maximize the potential for growing food, thus linking architecture with agriculture in meaningful ways.

Water Harvesting Systems

A key element of the design is its water harvesting system. Water is collected from the roofs of nearby buildings, then stored and distributed to the individual growing units. This method reduces dependence on traditional water sources and supports the pursuit of sustainability, showcasing a practical approach to resource management in urban areas.

Market Space

Incorporating a market space at street level for selling surplus produce is another important aspect of the design. This feature encourages interaction among residents and allows them to connect with the food they consume. It also supports the local economy by providing a platform for selling produce grown in the vertical farms, bridging the gap between food production and community involvement.

Circulation and Accessibility

The layout is designed with attention to circulation and accessibility. Stairs and elevators are thoughtfully placed throughout the structure, allowing for easy movement and minimizing close contact between individuals. This arrangement enhances convenience for residents and fosters social interactions, contributing to a sense of community.

Each growing unit is assigned a specific amount of space, enabling residents to actively participate in the agricultural process. This integration allows individuals to engage with farming as part of their daily routines. The design encourages a new way of thinking about living and growing food together, promoting sustainability and community engagement.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy