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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

Project in-detail

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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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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