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Corten Steel Facade with Integrated Sky Farming for Urban Resilience

Authors:
Sinan Ilker, Gökçe Tomrukçu
Corten Steel Facade with Integrated Sky Farming for Urban Resilience

Project in-detail

The Corten steel façade integrates a sky farming area that supports urban agriculture, enhancing community engagement while addressing the growing demand for sustainable food sources in a densely populated environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Corten steel panels reduce sunlight glare and enhance indoor comfort.
02
An atrium connects indoor spaces to the surrounding greenery.
03
Sky farming on the top floor provides fresh produce for local markets.
04
Rainwater harvesting supports the building's agricultural areas.
05
Wind flow management directs breezes through green spaces in the design.

The 32M4+MX project is located in a busy urban area and serves to meet the needs of the surrounding community. The design focuses on creating a tall building that encourages social interactions and connections among residents. The overall idea emphasizes sustainability and responsibility towards the environment, which is evident in the building's structure and its various functions.

Atrium and Façade Design

An atrium forms the central part of the design, connecting the building's interior with the green spaces outside. This feature allows natural light and air to flow throughout, improving the atmosphere for those inside. The façade draws inspiration from the shape of a leaf, representing a connection to nature. This design choice promotes a sense of well-being and resonates with the principles of biophilic design.

Material Selection and Performance

Corten steel panels are a significant aspect of the building’s outer layer. These panels are specifically chosen to reduce the amount of direct sunlight entering the space. By doing so, they help keep indoor temperatures comfortable and decrease glare, enhancing environmental quality for occupants. The design includes sharp corners that are intended to manipulate wind patterns, channeling breezes through the integrated green and agricultural areas.

Sky Farming Initiative

On the upper floors, a sky farming area allows for the growth of plants. This innovative feature not only provides fresh produce but also allows the crops to be sold at a market located on the ground level. The initiative encourages community engagement and reinforces connections between residents and their food sources, reflecting a modern approach to urban agriculture.

Sustainable Water Management

The building also incorporates systems for collecting rainwater from its green roofs. This water is then used in the agricultural spaces, highlighting a commitment to efficient resource use and environmental care. Overall, the design helps mitigate urban heat and promotes sustainable habits among residents.

The combination of natural motifs in the façade design with functional agricultural spaces contributes to a greater sense of harmony in the urban landscape. This thoughtful design enhances the relationship between architecture, community, and the environment.

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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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