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Aeroponic Vertical Gardens and Greywater Systems in Adaptive Community Homes

Authors:
Elizabeth Cerny, Jami Mohlenkamp, Angela Gunn, Suzanne Stawiarski
Aeroponic Vertical Gardens and Greywater Systems in Adaptive Community Homes

Project in-detail

Aeroponic vertical gardens and integrated greywater systems define an adaptable residential community that prioritizes sustainability and accessibility in its design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Aeroponic gardens enable residents to grow food vertically, saving space and enhancing self-sufficiency.
02
Greywater systems are integrated for efficient water recycling within the community.
03
Modular wall and roof panels allow for easy customization and adaptation over time.
04
Low-profile furniture ensures accessibility for individuals with varying mobility needs.
05
The design promotes clustering of homes to foster community interaction and support.

Domus Aeterna showcases a practical approach to residential design with a focus on flexibility and sustainability. Situated to blend with its natural surroundings, the project aims to create homes that serve as more than just shelter but also adapt to the changing needs of their occupants. The design is built on the principles of universal and regenerative architecture, providing an inclusive living environment for diverse populations.

Universal Adaptability
The concept emphasizes modular construction, allowing for customization of walls and roofs according to individual preferences. Residents can modify their living spaces over time, adjusting to their physical and emotional needs. Features like low-profile furniture and adjustable work surfaces improve access throughout the homes, making it easier for everyone to move around comfortably.

Sustainable Features
A commitment to sustainability is evident in the design choices, which prioritize the use of safe and healthy materials. The homes incorporate renewable energy options such as solar panels and systems for collecting stormwater, enhancing their overall efficiency. Additional features like greywater tanks and composting toilets help reduce waste and promote resource conservation, reflecting a responsible approach to environmental impacts.

Community-Centric Design
The design also plans for the arrangement of multiple homes in close proximity, encouraging a sense of community among residents. This layout allows for opportunities to share resources and support one another while still offering privacy. Adaptability to local conditions is a key consideration, ensuring that the homes fit well with their community and climate.

Innovative Living Solutions
Distinct elements such as aeroponic food walls highlight the integration of sustainability into everyday living. These features encourage personal food production, promoting self-sufficiency and a connection to the environment. By incorporating such practical solutions, the design advances a vision of living that emphasizes both individual well-being and a strong community fabric.

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

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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

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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