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Co-op Gardens and Fiber Cement Structures in Sustainable Urban Living

Author:
Niv Ben-adi
Co-op Gardens and Fiber Cement Structures in Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating co-op gardens and utilizing fiber cement in its construction, the design emphasizes sustainable urban living by fostering community engagement while providing essential housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Co-op gardens promote community involvement in food production.
02
Cross ventilation strategies enhance indoor air quality and comfort.
03
Fiber cement panels provide durability while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
04
Open communal pathways foster social interaction among residents.
05
Native plant landscaping supports local biodiversity and ecology.

The design in San Francisco represents a focused approach to sustainable urban living. It is set within a community framework that encourages a connection to nature and each other. The aim is to create residential units that blend functionality with ecological consciousness. By doing so, it fosters a strong sense of community and environmental responsibility among its residents.

Site Layout and Organization
The project layout includes both couple and family units, designed to promote airflow and make the most of natural light. This configuration helps reduce dependence on artificial cooling and heating systems, which benefits both the residents and the environment. Each unit features outdoor private spaces, allowing residents to connect with the surrounding landscape. A central communal pathway promotes social interaction and offers easy access to outdoor areas, aligning with the project's goals of sustainability and community engagement.

Community Engagement Features
A notable feature of the project is the co-op working garden, which highlights community involvement in food production. This garden allows residents to grow and harvest fresh produce, fostering a spirit of collaboration. It serves as a place for people to gather, share resources, and bond. In this way, the garden not only provides food but also strengthens community ties, making it a vital part of daily life.

Materials and Sustainability
Materials used in the design are chosen for their functional and environmental benefits. Fiber cement wall panels offer durability and good insulation, while the Exterior Insulated and Finish System contributes to energy savings. Perforated aluminum guardrails maintain safety while allowing visibility throughout the space. The use of IPE wood decking ensures a durable surface that can withstand the elements. Glass doors link indoor and outdoor spaces, increasing natural light and improving airflow, while jalousie louvers provide adjustable ventilation, further enhancing comfort for residents.

Interior Functionality and Design
Each family unit is carefully designed to accommodate modern needs, featuring flexible living spaces, including master bedrooms and children's areas. The arrangement allows ease of movement and adaptability for families. This thoughtful layout not only prioritizes individual preferences but also encourages social interaction amongst residents.

Common areas invite active participation in community life. The garden spaces provide an opportunity for fresh food and establish a visual bond with nature, enriching the living experience for everyone involved. The design thus supports a balanced lifestyle, where environmental awareness and community participation go hand in hand.

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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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