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Curvilinear Spaces Crafted With Transparent Materials Enhance Urban Insect Farming

Author:
Guoyu Liu
Curvilinear Spaces Crafted With Transparent Materials Enhance Urban Insect Farming

Project in-detail

Curvilinear forms made from transparent materials create an immersive environment for urban insect farming, seamlessly integrating sustainability with educational experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear forms mimic insect habitats, enhancing user experience.
02
Transparent materials provide visibility into farming processes for educational engagement.
03
Integrated green roofs support biodiversity and ecological balance.
04
Water recycling systems ensure efficient resource management throughout the facility.
05
Interactive exhibits promote community involvement in sustainable food practices.

**Overview**
Located in New York, the project envisions a pioneering approach to insect farming, repurposing urban spaces to facilitate a dynamic and educational environment. This initiative focuses on integrating sustainability with an enhanced understanding of insect cultivation, aiming to redefine public perceptions of entomophagy and highlight the ecological benefits associated with alternative protein sources.

**Spatial and Functional Design**
The architectural strategy employs organic forms that echo the intricate anatomy of insects, creating a fluid layout that supports both observation and interaction. The building is structured to resemble an ecosystem, featuring multi-layered environments that invite visitors to engage with the insect farming process. Transparent materials, such as glass and polycarbonate, are utilized to provide visibility into cultivation areas, fostering a connection between the public and the agricultural practices occurring within. Interactive exhibits are strategically integrated to transform passive observation into immersive learning experiences, highlighting the ecological and nutritional advantages of insects.

**Material Selection and Sustainability Initiatives**
In terms of material choices, the design incorporates a variety of sustainable options, including natural fibers such as hemp and bamboo for construction, bolstering the building’s environmental integrity. Concrete elements ensure structural stability, while green roof systems promote biodiversity and effective water management through innovative recycling technologies. The project emphasizes community engagement regarding sustainable food systems, positioning itself as an educational resource that addresses the pressing need for alternative protein sources in urban environments. By demonstrating the potential of insect farming, the design not only supports ecological awareness but also promotes a shift in cultural attitudes toward food production.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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