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Cultivable Green Roof with Integrated Compost Tank in Compact Urban Living

Authors:
Luc Rousseau, Julie Rougeault
Cultivable Green Roof with Integrated Compost Tank in Compact Urban Living
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A cultivable green roof and integrated compost tank enhance self-sufficiency in this compact urban dwelling, promoting sustainable living through innovative water management and eco-friendly features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cultivable green roof supports diverse plant growth and food production.
02
Two technical walls regulate microclimates for optimal plant health.
03
Integrated compost tank recycles waste into garden fertilizer.
04
Large water tank enables flexible indoor and outdoor bathing.
05
Solar energy management system powers the entire living space.

MicroGarden 20 is designed to address the need for sustainable living in urban areas. Located in a bustling city environment, it serves both as a residence and a space for growing food. The concept focuses on integrating nature into everyday life, allowing residents to cultivate plants and vegetables right at home.

Green Roof Integration

A central feature of MicroGarden 20 is its green roof, which serves as both insulation and a garden. This roof allows residents to grow their own food, supporting self-sufficiency within a compact living arrangement. The design encourages an interaction with nature that enhances the experience of living in an urban setting.

Functional Design Elements

The structure includes two technical walls that provide essential functions. The left wall features a solar energy management system, an office area, and a greenhouse accessible from both the inside and outside. This layout maximizes space efficiency and supports the off-grid energy needs of the home.

Water and Waste Management

Water management is another important aspect of the design. A large water tank provides enough water for cooking and bathing, allowing both indoor and outdoor use. The design includes a black water system and a compost tank, which help recycle waste into fertilizer for the garden and greenhouses.

Material Usage

Wood and metal are used for cladding the building, contributing to durability and a connection with the natural surroundings. The foundation is kept minimal to respect the land, minimizing environmental impact while ensuring the building visually blends with its location.

The green roof not only supports diverse plant growth but also enhances solar energy collection, highlighting the project's commitment to sustainability and ecological responsibility.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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