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Biophilic Design With Living Walls and Steel Framework in Coastal Adaptation Units

Authors:
Nadja Mott, Nadja Mott
Biophilic Design With Living Walls and Steel Framework in Coastal Adaptation Units

Project in-detail

Incorporating biophilic design with living walls and a steel framework, these coastal adaptation units exemplify modular flexibility for contemporary workspace and residential needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates living walls to promote biodiversity and improve air quality.
03
Features a modular design that allows for easy expansion and reconfiguration.
04
Integrates energy-efficient systems for optimal environmental performance.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame shape to facilitate natural ventilation and light penetration.

### Overview

Located in a context that prioritizes sustainable living, the project focuses on creating adaptable and modular units that can serve multiple functions, including workspaces, retreats, and residential areas. The design philosophy emphasizes a harmonious relationship with the natural environment, utilizing materials selected for their durability and aesthetic compatibility. The approach to form and space is rooted in minimalism, promoting both functionality and visual coherence.

### Modularity and Flexibility

The design strategy incorporates a modular framework, allowing for customization in size and layout to accommodate diverse uses. This is particularly evident in the arrangement of geometric forms and open spaces, which facilitate varied configurations depending on specific requirements. The interiors are characterized by open floor plans that encourage users to redefine spaces based on their activities, whether for professional or leisure purposes.

### Material Integration and Sustainability

The material palette is carefully curated to align with ecological principles while enhancing user experience. Steel framing provides structural integrity, particularly in environments that necessitate resilience against the elements. Plywood flooring offers warmth and aesthetic appeal, complementing the user-centered approach. Expansive glass walls facilitate natural light flow and create a perceptual continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, while strategically integrated green facades contribute to biodiversity and environmental harmony. The incorporation of wooden cladding contributes to the buildings’ visual warmth and contextual relevance, particularly in coastal settings, where weather-resistant finishes ensure longevity against environmental challenges.

### Unique Features

The designs include outdoor living spaces, such as patios and decks, which encourage an immersive experience with nature. The construction technique employed is efficient, allowing for straightforward assembly of modular units, which facilitates rapid installation on-site. Each unit's versatile design addresses contemporary demands for multifunctional living and working environments, enabling spaces to easily transition from professional settings to relaxation areas.

#### Materials Used
- Steel framing
- Plywood flooring
- Glass for windows and walls
- Wooden cladding
- Greenery for facades and landscaping elements

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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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