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Circular Structures With Steel Cladding and Green Roofs Enhancing Urban Agriculture

Authors:
Shkelqim Musiqi, Elvis Karavianskii, Sofia Manferdini, Elio Zeiater nassar
Circular Structures With Steel Cladding and Green Roofs Enhancing Urban Agriculture

Project in-detail

Cylindrical forms clad in steel and topped with green roofs redefine urban space, integrating sustainable agriculture with community engagement functions in the heart of São Paulo.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical towers maximize vertical farming efficiency in urban settings.
02
Steel cladding provides durable protection while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
03
Green roofs contribute to biodiversity and urban heat reduction.
04
Public spaces promote community engagement and awareness of food systems.
05
Integration of hydroponic systems supports year-round food production.

The Urban Food Factory project in São Paulo addresses the growing need for sustainable food production within urban environments. By incorporating innovative agricultural systems into architectural design, this project serves as both a productive space and a community resource, highlighting the potential for urban food sustainability.

This architecture features three cylindrical towers, each designated for specific functions within the food production process. The tallest structure is dedicated to urban farming, incorporating hydroponic and vertical growing techniques to maximize yield in limited space. The middle tower focuses on food processing and production, while the shortest tower serves as a community engagement space that includes cafes and markets. This strategic organization facilitates a flow of activities, from cultivation to consumption, promoting accessibility to fresh food in an urban context.

The material palette of the Urban Food Factory emphasizes sustainability and functionality. Reinforced concrete provides structural support, allowing for extensive open spaces. Steel cladding serves both as protective material and as an aesthetic element, while glass facades enhance natural lighting and visibility. Green roof systems further enhance the building’s environmental performance by supporting biodiversity and reducing heat absorption.

One of the distinguishing features of this project is its integration of community and urban farming. The design includes public spaces where residents can engage with the food production process. These areas are designed for recreational use, educational workshops, and communal gardening opportunities, fostering a sense of ownership and awareness about food sources.

Moreover, the architecture responds to the surrounding urban context by considering local climate conditions. The orientation and design of the structures take advantage of natural light and ventilation, reducing energy consumption and improving the overall efficiency of the building.

The Urban Food Factory serves as a model for future urban design, emphasizing the importance of merging architecture with sustainable practices in food production. For comprehensive insights into this project, including architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, please explore the project presentation for further details.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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