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Bioplastic Facades and Hydroponic Greens in a Flexible Urban Workspace

Author:
Rodney Phillips
Bioplastic Facades and Hydroponic Greens in a Flexible Urban Workspace

Project in-detail

Incorporating bioplastic facades and vertical hydroponic gardens, the design creates a flexible urban workspace that seamlessly integrates natural elements with modern functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates bioplastic facades that enhance environmental sustainability.
02
Features modular design elements allowing for easy spatial reconfiguration.
03
Includes integrated hydroponic systems that improve indoor air quality.
04
Utilizes lightweight aluminium for efficient structural support and reduced footprint.
05
Emphasizes natural light with ample glazing and open-plan workspaces.

### Overview of the Project
Located in Sheffield, United Kingdom, the project aims to create sustainable and emotionally responsive workspaces that address the contemporary needs of urban office environments. By integrating biophilic design principles and modular construction strategies, it seeks to reconnect occupants with nature and enhance their overall well-being. This initiative is a response to the growing disconnection between urban living and natural elements, emphasizing the importance of mental health in workplace design.

### Spatial Composition and Layout
The project consists of two primary zones: Site 1A (New Build) and Site 1B (Existing Fit-Out). Site 1A features a reception area accented with greenery, an open workspace designed to promote interaction with adjustable desks, and private offices that maximize natural light and views of indoor gardens. A communal Creative Garden with water features offers tranquility, while natural ventilation systems ensure air quality. Site 1B retrofits an existing structure, preserving its historical elements while introducing flexible community spaces that encourage collaboration and social interaction.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and functionality. Lightweight aluminum or steel serves as the framework for structural durability, while polycarbonate roof elements allow for natural light and insulation. The integration of bioplastics in hydroponic systems promotes environmental stewardship, and the use of timber cladding and integrated LED systems enhances both aesthetics and ambiance. The design also incorporates interchangeable spaces, enabling easy reconfiguration to meet evolving workplace needs, and emphasizes natural light, green views, and indoor gardening to foster a connection to the natural world.

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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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