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Algae-Enriched Facades and Spiral Forms in Sustainable Community Living

Authors:
Luming Xiao, Feiran Zou, Shanle Lin
Algae-Enriched Facades and Spiral Forms in Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating algae-enriched facades and reflective spiral forms, the design establishes a harmonious coexistence between nature and human habitation in a sustainable community living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates algae in the facade design to improve air quality.
02
Features spiral forms inspired by the Nautilus for ecological integration.
03
Structures are designed to serve as wildlife habitats alongside human functions.
04
Utilizes a parametric approach to minimize material waste during construction.
05
Emphasizes low-impact prefabrication to enhance environmental sustainability.

The architectural design is situated in a suburban area, responding to the increasing desire of people to leave bustling cities for quieter places. The focus is on promoting a better way of living that respects the environment. The project integrates natural elements into the design to create a balance between human activities and the local ecosystem. By encouraging a slower pace of life, the design aims to improve the overall quality of living for its inhabitants.

Conceptual Framework
The central idea is "harmonious symbiosis." This means finding a way for people and wildlife to coexist in the same space. As urban areas expand, the pressure on the environment grows, and this design looks to mitigate those effects. The structures are crafted not just for human use but also to serve as safe havens for local animal species, demonstrating a commitment to ecological preservation.

Design Inspiration
A key influence on the design is the Nautilus, which embodies natural proportions and the history of life on Earth. The spiral shape of the Nautilus is reflected in the overall design, symbolizing the connections between different living beings. This motif helps to link buildings with the surrounding landscape, promoting interaction rather than separation from nature.

Material and Construction Approach
While the specifics regarding materials are not detailed, sustainability is a key focus. The design follows a parametric approach that minimizes waste and promotes efficient use of resources. Additionally, the use of prefabrication methods allows for a construction process that is less harmful to the environment and allows for easier adaptation to its local context.

Spatial Organization and Functionality
The layout of the structures is designed to facilitate both daily human activities and the needs of local wildlife. This dual focus creates spaces that support a sustainable living environment for everyone involved. Natural features, such as algae, are included in the design of the façades. This feature improves air quality indoors while also contributing to the surrounding soil health, showing a strong link between the built environment and nature.

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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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