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Elevated Community Hub With Vertical Gardens and Integrated Urban Farming

Author:
Yu Gong
Elevated Community Hub With Vertical Gardens and Integrated Urban Farming

Project in-detail

With integrated vertical gardens and a 6-meter high public space, the design facilitates community interaction and urban farming within a modular high-rise that redefines residential living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Public space activity area spans 6 meters in height.
02
Modular design allows adaptation to various urban sites.
03
Incorporates urban farming initiatives within communal areas.
04
Interconnected corridors create an aerial micro-community.
05
Features vertical gardens to enhance environmental quality.

GREENER TOWER is located within the urban fabric of Vancouver, designed as a modular high-rise that responds to the needs of a growing population. The project focuses on creating a modern living environment that integrates community spaces and sustainable design. With its adaptable structure, GREENER TOWER aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents while fostering a sense of community.

Design Concept

The design is structured around two or more blocks that provide ample housing while ensuring a connected environment. A key feature of the project is the 6-meter high public space activity area. This communal hub includes facilities such as a supermarket, café, bar, and planting areas. These elements encourage residents to engage with each other and enhance their daily lives through social interaction.

Community Engagement

The layout includes various commercial units that cater to contemporary lifestyle preferences. Features like exercise rooms and home offices are integrated into the design, meeting the diverse needs of residents. By focusing on adaptability, the design supports a way of life where both physical activity and social interaction are easily accessible.

Green Integration

Incorporating greenery is essential to GREENER TOWER. The project includes vertical gardens and roof gardens, contributing to both aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits. These green features help combat urban heat and improve air quality. Urban farming opportunities within the planting spaces allow residents to connect with nature and participate in food production, providing fresh produce in an urban setting.

Spatial Connectivity

The corridors linking different blocks create a sense of community within the building. This spatial design encourages residents to move between areas, fostering interaction and engagement. The public spaces are open and inviting, designed for conversation and recreation. This thoughtful arrangement responds to the social dynamics of urban living.

Attention to architectural details highlights a commitment to sustainability throughout the project. Features such as green roofs and integrated planting emphasize the intention to connect residents with nature. By focusing on energy efficiency, GREENER TOWER offers a living environment that aligns with both community needs and environmental considerations.

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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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