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Central Produce Farm with Integrated Compost and Vertical Greenery

Authors:
Wilfred Cheung, Minji Kim, James Frolow, Madeline Nolan
Central Produce Farm with Integrated Compost and Vertical Greenery

Project in-detail

A central produce farm complemented by integrated compost systems and vertical greenery redefines urban living, offering a modular environment designed for efficient daily activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central produce farm enables residents to grow food on-site.
02
Integrated compost systems enhance sustainability and support vertical greenery.
03
Modules are prefabricated for efficient assembly and transportation.
04
Natural ventilation and large windows optimize indoor climate and light.
05
Design promotes a lifestyle mindful of resource consumption and environmental impact.

The design presents an innovative approach to the relationship between living spaces and nature. Set within an urban environment, it focuses on functionality while placing significant importance on sustainability. The central idea is to minimize built areas, thereby creating opportunities for greater interaction with the natural world. Modular configurations allow for an effective mix of functionality and ecological harmony.

Modular Living Integration

Living modules consolidate key daily activities such as sleeping, washing, and eating into distinct spaces arranged around a central produce farm. This setup not only enhances the visual appeal of the environment but also plays a crucial role in food production, allowing residents easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables. The central farm fosters a continuous connection to greenery, enriching the overall living experience and encouraging a sense of community.

Encouraging Outdoor Engagement

The design promotes interaction with outdoor areas by facilitating smooth transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. This invites residents to experience the benefits of open-air living. Integrated compost systems support vertical green walls, helping to sustain urban biodiversity and promote environmentally friendly practices. The thoughtful incorporation of these features creates a habitat that nurtures both plants and people.

Sustainable Practices and Energy Efficiency

The layout includes natural ventilation and well-placed windows that enhance the indoor climate. These elements maximize natural light while reducing reliance on artificial lighting. The central atrium features building-integrated photovoltaics that enable energy production, emphasizing efficiency. A green roof contributes to thermal comfort and manages rainwater, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable design principles.

Living Consciousness

Residents are encouraged to reconsider their consumption habits through limited storage space and the use of prefabricated modules. This design promotes a lifestyle based on sustainability and intentional use of resources. It fosters a sense of mindfulness regarding how residents interact with their surroundings, blending practical living with an appreciation for nature.

The design's focus on integrating natural elements into everyday life stands out. Features like composting systems enrich the living environment and enhance the overall functionality of the space. This approach changes how residents experience their homes, making daily life more connected 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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