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Ecologically Designed Habitat Featuring Vertical Gardens and Reinforced Concrete Facades

Authors:
Minhan Kim, Min Jun Kim, Ayeon Lee
Ecologically Designed Habitat Featuring Vertical Gardens and Reinforced Concrete Facades

Project in-detail

With a focus on vertical gardens and the use of reinforced concrete, the design integrates urban living with ecological habitats, providing a sustainable residential environment that fosters community interaction and biodiversity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates vertical gardens into multiple levels for enhanced biodiversity.
02
Utilizes reinforced concrete for structural stability and expansive open spaces.
03
Features wildlife corridors that promote safe animal movement throughout the site.
04
Employs a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and minimize energy use.
05
Incorporates community spaces designed to encourage social interactions and environmental education.

## Overview

The Buffer Blending project is situated within an urban context that challenges the traditional separation between built environments and natural ecosystems. It addresses the need for coexistence between human activities and wildlife, proposing a nuanced approach to spatial planning and ecological sustainability.

### Transitional Spaces

The design incorporates transitional spaces, referred to as buffer zones, which act as mediators between urban life and surrounding natural habitats. This approach emphasizes the importance of reducing rigid boundaries, promoting more fluid integration of urban and natural elements. Key features include dedicated safety zones that facilitate safe interactions for both humans and wildlife, fostering mutual respect and sustainable living. The design prioritizes human-centric spaces while also accommodating diverse wildlife, thereby enhancing the overall urban experience.

### Material and Spatial Strategy

The architectural layout features multiple levels designed to optimize visibility and accessibility to green spaces, promoting interaction with nature. Open communal areas encourage social engagement, while vertical gardens integrate plant life throughout the structure, enhancing biodiversity. The intentional removal of visual barriers supports wildlife observation and interaction.

Material choices reflect both functionality and ecological ethos. Reinforced concrete provides structural support, while glass elements maximize natural light and transparency. Brick finishes connect with regional architectural traditions, adding a tactile quality, and metal grills ensure security without hindering the passage of light or wildlife. Green roof systems contribute to stormwater management and urban cooling.

### Community Integration

The project promotes community engagement through shared spaces, facilitating social interactions and educational initiatives related to local wildlife. It serves as a platform for environmental awareness, encouraging residents' active participation in ecosystem preservation. The aesthetic integration of industrial materials with natural elements challenges conventional architectural beauty, prioritizing ecological consciousness and functionality over uniformity.

The project outlines a sustainable model of urban living that does not compromise the ecological health of its surroundings while simultaneously addressing habitat loss and enriching community dynamics.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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