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Cylindrical Green Facades Enveloping Vertical Agriculture in Sustainable Urban Living

Author:
Junxian Poon
Cylindrical Green Facades Enveloping Vertical Agriculture in Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Cylindrical towers clad in living green facades seamlessly integrate urban agriculture and communal spaces, fostering a sustainable environment for diverse urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical towers enhance natural ventilation and daylight penetration throughout the building.
02
Integration of vertical farming systems allows residents to cultivate produce on-site.
03
Living green facades contribute to increased biodiversity and improved air quality.
04
Central communal courtyards foster social interaction and community engagement.
05
Use of recycled materials reflects a commitment to sustainability in construction practices.
The Nest is an architectural design project located in Los Angeles, California, aimed at redefining urban living by integrating residential, commercial, and agricultural functions. This design emphasizes sustainability and community well-being, incorporating several unique elements that distinguish it from conventional urban developments.

Innovative Integration of Functions
The Nest represents an innovative approach to urban living, addressing the increasing demands of growing cities. The architectural design features multiple cylindrical towers, which symbolize growth and interconnectedness, supporting a multi-use environment where residents can live, work, shop, and farm. This integration not only reduces the need for transportation but also creates a vibrant community hub that encourages social interaction.

One of the standout features of the project is its focus on vertical farming, allowing residents to engage in agricultural activities directly within the urban context. This design approach minimizes food transportation emissions while promoting food security and access to fresh produce. The inclusion of green facades enhances air quality and visual aesthetics while providing unique habitats for urban wildlife.

Sustainable Material Choices
The materiality of The Nest is thoughtfully curated to reflect the project's commitment to sustainability. Reinforced concrete ensures structural stability, while extensive use of glass enhances natural light penetration and visual connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces. Steel is employed in the framework, enabling the innovative cylindrical forms of the towers. Notably, recycled materials are integrated throughout the design, reinforcing the project’s focus on reducing environmental impact.

The organization of the site layout further complements the project's goals. Central green courtyards serve as communal spaces, promoting interaction among residents, while pedestrian pathways encourage accessibility and ease of movement. The intricate balance of private and communal areas in the design fosters a sense of community and belonging.

Overall, The Nest exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to urban architecture, prioritizing functionality and sustainability in a cohesive design. For those interested in exploring its architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, a deeper look into this project will provide valuable insights into contemporary architectural ideas and methodologies.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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