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Algae Tubes and Vertical Greenhouses in Community Living

Authors:
Libby Haslam, Baylee Rushton, Zahra Hassanipour
Algae Tubes and Vertical Greenhouses in Community Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating algae tubes and vertical greenhouses, the design enhances ecological sustainability while providing communal living spaces that foster connection with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates specialized algae tubes that purify air and enhance indoor environments.
02
Features vertical greenhouses integrated into multiple levels for urban agriculture.
03
Utilizes boardwalks to connect communal spaces while promoting outdoor interaction.
04
Emphasizes locally sourced ingredients in dining to strengthen community ties.
05
Design includes a curated ecosystem that integrates with the surrounding landscape.

The Skógur design is located in a natural setting where the architecture intertwines with the landscape. The concept is centered around the idea of a forest made of glass, allowing people to deeply connect with nature. The design promotes a flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging movement through interconnected levels. This approach focuses on creating community ties and offers an eco-friendly environment.

Connectivity

The structure features a system of boardwalks that run through the landscape. These pathways connect different parts of the project and guide residents as they move through various communal and private areas. By encouraging exploration, the design allows individuals to engage with their surroundings, making the experience of the site more interactive and enriching.

Communal Dining

There are several levels designated for communal dining activities. These spaces accommodate both small gatherings and larger events, fostering a sense of community among the residents. The dining experience highlights the use of local ingredients, strengthening the link between the people and their environment while promoting sustainable practices within daily life.

Vertical Greenhouses

An important feature of Skógur is the inclusion of vertical greenhouses, which sustain ecological systems within the building. This integration of agriculture alongside living spaces supports a balanced lifestyle for residents. The focus on green areas emphasizes the vital role of nature within the design, presenting the structure as part of a larger ecosystem.

Integrated Systems

The project employs water tubes, steam tubes, and algae tubes as part of its design. These elements contribute to efficient resource management and improve indoor air quality. The use of glass tubes for growing algae not only enhances air purification but also adds an interesting visual aspect, further connecting the architectural design with nature.

Thoughtful details are evident in the arrangement of spaces, emphasizing natural light and airflow. Every aspect of the project is designed to create an inviting environment. The experience of nature is woven into the indoor spaces, gently blurring the lines between where the building ends and nature begins.

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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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