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Carbon-Capturing Concrete and Urban Greenery in a Flexible Living Space

Author:
Clara Truax
Carbon-Capturing Concrete and Urban Greenery in a Flexible Living Space

Project in-detail

Walls constructed from carbon-capturing concrete and a dedicated plant wall define a flexible living space that seamlessly accommodates diverse activities in an urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central conversation pit fosters community interaction in a multifunctional layout.
02
Walls made from carbon-capturing concrete improve indoor air quality and reduce the carbon footprint.
03
Plant wall enables residents to grow their own food, promoting self-sufficiency.
04
Pull-out storage solutions enhance organization while minimizing clutter.
05
Designed to adapt to various activities, the space supports both work and relaxation.

Located in El Paso, the design centers around a large, multifunctional couch that serves as the main feature of the living space. This approach redefines traditional residential layouts by focusing on flexibility and comfort. It integrates different daily activities into one area, creating an atmosphere that encourages interaction among residents. By prioritizing usability, the design meets the modern need for adaptable spaces.

Central Feature

At the core of the layout is a conversation pit designed for social engagement. This area allows for various activities, such as sleeping, eating, and working, all within close proximity. The inclusion of pull-out storage for clothing contributes to organization and reduces clutter, which enhances the overall functionality of the space. The central seating area becomes a hub for daily life, uniting each activity without physical barriers.

Sustainability

Sustainability plays a significant role in the design, with walls made from carbon-capturing concrete. This material directly addresses the environmental challenges posed by El Paso's air quality. By reducing the carbon footprint of the building, the design not only improves indoor air quality but also reflects a growing commitment to environmental responsibility in residential architecture.

Biophilic Elements

A noteworthy aspect of the design is the plant wall that allows residents to grow their own food. This feature adds a layer of self-sufficiency and helps to strengthen the connection between inhabitants and nature. The inclusion of greenery not only serves functional purposes but also enhances the living environment, promoting well-being in an urban setting.

The layout emerges as a blend of spaces that supports both personal privacy and communal interaction, providing a dynamic environment that adapts to the needs of its occupants. Elements within the design work together to create a cohesive and inviting home.

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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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