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Elevated Community Spaces Enhanced by Permeable Paving and Vertical Greenery

Authors:
Sharareh Faryadi, Iana Reza Sartaee , Christian Brian Cueva, Negar Fakhar, Reza Mohammadi, Negar Fakhar
Elevated Community Spaces Enhanced by Permeable Paving and Vertical Greenery

Project in-detail

Elevated green spaces interconnected by permeable paving create a dynamic residential environment that supports community interaction while utilizing sustainable materials and compact living solutions for diverse urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated units integrate natural greenery into the living environment.
02
Microhomes designed for efficient living cater to diverse resident needs.
03
Permeable paving enhances stormwater management across communal areas.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide durable, weather-resistant facades.
05
Vertical layering fosters community interaction and social engagement.

### Project Overview
The LGBTQ Line is an architectural proposal located in New York City's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, designed to support a diverse community that encompasses various genders and sexual identities. The project aims to blend urban living with ecological sustainability and cultural affirmation, responding to contemporary challenges such as climate change, urban density, and the need for inclusive community spaces. Aiming toward completion by the year 2300, the design seeks to create environments that foster collaboration and engagement within the LGBTQ+ community.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration
The central spatial strategy involves transforming existing urban environments into elevated greenway spaces that house *Microhomes*, which are compact living units tailored to the diverse requirements of residents. This design draws inspiration from successful urban landscapes, facilitating connections between LGBTQ+ communities and neighboring districts like Chelsea and the West Village. The utilization of the waterfront along the Hudson River not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also addresses critical issues such as rising sea levels and urban accessibility.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations
The materials selected for the project emphasize sustainability and durability. The use of wood provides warmth and an environmentally responsible option for structural elements and finishes. Glass is incorporated to enhance visibility and natural lighting, contributing to residents' well-being. Steel serves as a robust support material, particularly in elevated sections, while composite panels in the facades ensure insulation and weather resistance. Permeable paving is utilized throughout the site for effective rainwater management and urban landscaping.

The design incorporates a forward-thinking approach to sustainability by mitigating urban heat and utilizing passive solar design to create energy-efficient living spaces. These strategies reflect a commitment to resilience in light of anticipated climate changes, creating an environment that is both functional and considerate of future challenges.

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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

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