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Cross-Laminated Timber and Clay Plaster Create a Sustainable Microhabitat Embracing Aquaponics

Cross-Laminated Timber and Clay Plaster Create a Sustainable Microhabitat Embracing Aquaponics
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Emphasizing cross-laminated timber and clay plaster, this microhome integrates an aquaponic system within its design, promoting sustainable living while facilitating community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an integrated aquaponic system to support food sustainability.
02
Incorporates a central pond that enhances biodiversity within the living space.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetics.
04
Employs renewable cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
05
Integrates vertical gardens to maximize space and promote permaculture practices.

### Overview
The Symbiotic Microhome is located in a landscape characterized by heathland and forest, designed to establish a sustainable living environment aligned with ecological systems. This project aims to accommodate residents while promoting biodiversity and ecological balance through thoughtful architectural interventions.

### Spatial and Functional Layout
The design features a distinctive architectural form, combining rounded and angular shapes that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. A central aquaponic pond serves as a focal point, contributing to food production while symbolizing unity within the community. Additionally, optional greenhouse spaces enable year-round vegetable cultivation, reinforcing the connection to local food systems and ecological awareness.

### Material Choices and Sustainability
The material selection is carefully curated to reflect sustainable practices. Wood sourced from renewable resources is employed for structural components and cladding, ensuring thermal efficiency and harmony with the surrounding landscape. Clay plaster enhances indoor air quality and thermal regulation, while the incorporation of recyclable materials minimizes waste at the end of their life cycle. These choices not only support the structural integrity of the microhome but also emphasize the commitment to environmental stewardship.

### Features and Community Engagement
An innovative aquaponics system is central to the microhome's design, leveraging the symbiotic relationships between plants, fish, and bacteria to maximize food production with minimal water use. Furthermore, communal areas are integrated to promote social interaction and resource sharing among residents, fostering a sense of community that counters typical suburban isolation. The architectural framework encourages educational opportunities, demonstrating sustainable living practices for both residents and visitors.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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