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Aquaponics and Living Walls Enhancing Community Engagement Through Sustainable Dining

Authors:
Olivia Herbert, Dillon Brandt
Aquaponics and Living Walls Enhancing Community Engagement Through Sustainable Dining

Project in-detail

The integration of vertical aquaponics and living walls within a multifunctional space fosters community engagement while promoting sustainable dining practices in a contemporary restaurant and event hall.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical aquaponics systems combined with dining areas provide fresh produce directly to the kitchen.
02
A living wall enhances air quality while offering a vibrant aesthetic within the restaurant space.
03
The incorporation of a trombe wall supports energy efficiency through passive solar heating.
04
Educational programs on food cultivation are integrated into the community experience.
05
Natural materials throughout the design create a strong connection to the surrounding environment.

Vogafjos Gardens is a contemporary project that highlights the connection between food, community, and education. Located in a setting that embraces nature, this space combines the functions of a restaurant and an event hall. The design promotes the idea of communal dining, allowing visitors to engage in shared experiences that center around culinary culture. Its overall concept emphasizes the role of food in fostering social bonds while also integrating sustainable agricultural practices.

Design Concept

The focus is on rethinking food as a platform for social interaction and cultural traditions. By blending dining with educational spaces, the design creates an environment where guests can learn about growing food while participating in community events. This combination reinforces the importance of food preparation and the heritage that comes with it.

Functional Integration

Key elements include a restaurant, an event hall, and an integrated greenhouse. The arrangement encourages visitors to connect with the gardens, emphasizing the relationship between where food comes from and how it is served. Community event spaces have been thoughtfully included to promote discussions around nurturing culinary traditions, adding depth to the experience.

Sustainability Features

Innovations like vertical aquaponics and a herbal garden reflect a forward-thinking approach to agriculture within the space. These features contribute to the project’s visual character and support sustainable food practices. A trombe wall is included for energy efficiency, making use of passive solar design to enhance the environmental performance of the structure.

Natural Aesthetics

A living wall integrates natural elements into the design, improving air quality and helping to regulate temperature. This connection to greenery enhances the overall look of the project while aligning with sustainable ideals. The result is an engaging environment that illustrates the relationship between architecture, food cultivation, and community interaction.

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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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Chair
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Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
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