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Clover Gardens Integrated with Recycled Steel Structures for Sustainable Community Living

Authors:
ömer Akkaş, İdi̇l özsoy
Clover Gardens Integrated with Recycled Steel Structures for Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Integrating clover gardens within a framework of recycled steel, the design fosters a sustainable community that emphasizes ecological restoration and carbon sequestration in a residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated clover gardens are designed for carbon sequestration and promote biodiversity within residential spaces.
02
The structure utilizes recycled steel for its primary framework, minimizing the environmental impact.
03
An innovative solar panel system adapts to the sun's orientation for improved energy efficiency.
04
The circular footprint preserves natural landscape features, enhancing ecological restoration efforts.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems support sustainable irrigation for the community gardens.

### Overview
The Sink, situated in the quarry regions of Afyonkarahisar, Turkey, is a sustainable architectural initiative that seeks to address the environmental challenges posed by quarry operations. The intent is to construct living spaces that facilitate ecological rehabilitation while integrating human habitation with regenerative practices. This project aims to establish a framework for fostering biodiversity and enhancing community engagement through innovative design.

### Spatial Strategy and Sustainable Systems
The design features a circular footprint with an elevated structure, which minimizes the ground footprint and preserves the site's natural landscape. The form is designed to promote inclusivity and interaction with the environment, moving away from traditional rectangular layouts. An innovative roof structure doubles as a solar panel collector and a water drainage system, establishing a relationship between architectural form and ecological function. Each residential cluster incorporates "clover gardens," which serve as carbon sequestration points, enhancing both biodiversity and communal agricultural practices.

### Material Selection
The material palette prioritizes sustainability and recyclability, employing recycled steel for the structural framework, glass facades for natural light and views, and mesh shading elements to optimize passive solar design. A Kinspan Slim Line water tank facilitates rainwater harvesting for irrigation, while an efficient drip irrigation system supports plant growth with minimal waste. These choices reflect a commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency throughout the project's lifespan.

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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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