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Efficient Living with Cellulose Insulation and Integrated Vegetable Garden

Authors:
Lucile Moulin, Antoine De Besombes Singla
Efficient Living with Cellulose Insulation and Integrated Vegetable Garden
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Constructed with cellulose insulation and double-glazed windows, the microhome features an integrated vegetable garden that utilizes rainwater, providing essential housing for health-care workers in close proximity to urban healthcare facilities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cellulose insulation enhances energy efficiency.
02
Integrated vegetable garden uses rainwater for irrigation.
03
Double-glazed windows optimize thermal comfort.
04
Prefabricated design allows for quick assembly.
05
Height variation creates distinct functional areas.

The Healthy Microhome serves as a practical response to the urgent housing needs of health-care workers, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. This compact dwelling aims to provide efficient living solutions that shorten commute times to hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The design emphasizes both comfort and functionality, offering a supportive environment for essential workers through careful consideration of spatial organization and natural elements.

Design Configuration
The microhome is designed within a footprint of 25 square meters, making the most of its limited space. It includes distinct areas such as an entrance vestibule, living room, functional kitchen, terrace, vegetable garden, bathroom, and bedroom. This clear layout separates private areas from communal spaces, allowing for personal rest while encouraging social interaction among occupants.

Spatial Dynamics
Strategic use of ceiling height enhances the overall experience within the home. The variation in height helps to define different functional spaces while maintaining a sense of openness. Each area is designed for specific activities, creating a balance between relaxation and practicality that adapts easily to the daily needs of its residents.

Sustainable Features
Environmental considerations play a significant role in the design. Cellulose wadding is used for insulation, which improves energy efficiency. Double-glazed windows help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, while OSB panels and plasterboard provide durability along with flexibility in the interior layout. Solar panels are also included, making the microhome energy self-sufficient while minimizing its environmental impact.

Connection to Nature
The design encourages a connection to the outdoors through an attached terrace and a vegetable garden. The terrace offers a space for relaxation, while the garden allows residents to grow their own food, utilizing rainwater from the roof for watering. This integration enhances the overall living experience and promotes sustainability, particularly for individuals working in high-stress environments.

Large eaves and well-placed windows ensure that natural light fills the interior, contributing to a warm atmosphere in each room. The connection to outdoor spaces provides a refuge and functional area that supports urban gardening, adding value to daily life in a compact city setting.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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