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Biomorphic Design Featuring Green Roofs and Flexible Community Spaces

Authors:
Andreea-elena Adam, Christopher Ball
Biomorphic Design Featuring Green Roofs and Flexible Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Biomorphic forms combined with green roofs and adaptable communal spaces create an engaging environment aimed at fostering social interaction within a co-housing community in an urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Biomorphic architecture enhances integration with the natural landscape.
02
Flexible "Joker Rooms" adapt to varied community needs over time.
03
Extensive use of green roofs contributes to urban biodiversity.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide both structural support and aesthetic warmth.
05
Charred wooden shingles create a distinctive, weather-resistant exterior.

### Project Overview

Located at Gansevoort Peninsula in New York City, the design focuses on addressing social isolation through co-housing solutions that foster a sense of community among residents. By integrating ecological practices with social engagement, the proposal seeks to create environments that encourage interaction while supporting the mental well-being of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and young adults.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The architectural design emphasizes interconnected living through communal areas that coexist with private spaces, allowing residents to engage socially while maintaining personal privacy. Key features include "Joker Rooms," which offer flexible, multi-use areas that adapt to the needs of the residents over time. Communal amenities, such as kitchens, gardens, and activity studios, provide residents various opportunities for interaction, thereby enhancing community life. The layout is intentionally organized to promote this social engagement, gradually transitioning from individual units to shared communal spaces.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The project incorporates a selection of materials that align with its ecological objectives and support the overall design intent. Primary structural elements are constructed from reinforced concrete, ensuring durability. The extensive use of glass for façades enhances natural lighting and creates visual connections between indoor and outdoor environments. Sustainable wood sourced from certified forests adds warmth to communal spaces, while green roof systems contribute to biodiversity and energy efficiency. Composite materials are employed for their lightweight and thermal performance, facilitating a design that promotes environmental stewardship. This thoughtful selection of materials not only contributes to aesthetic appeal but also addresses ecological concerns, reinforcing the project’s commitment to sustainability.

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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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