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Elevated Green Roofs and Community-Centric Spaces Foster Ecological Restoration Near Lake Urmia

Author:
Ehsan Fatehifar
Elevated Green Roofs and Community-Centric Spaces Foster Ecological Restoration Near Lake Urmia

Project in-detail

Built with eco-roofs and mixed-use facilities, the architectural intervention near Lake Urmia revitalizes the area while promoting community engagement and ecological sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced materials, including charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Integrates multi-use spaces designed to foster community interaction and promote ecological awareness.
03
Features an innovative bent A-frame structure that maximizes natural light and panoramic views of the lake.
04
Incorporates green roofs to support biodiversity and manage stormwater effectively.
05
Employs photovoltaic panels and wind turbines to achieve energy self-sufficiency throughout the facility.

### Overview
The "Revive Lake Urmia" project is situated in Iran, focusing on the restoration and revitalization of Lake Urmia, a region that has experienced significant environmental degradation over the past two decades. The proposal synthesizes innovative architectural design with sustainability and cultural heritage, aiming to address the pressing ecological challenges faced by the area. The design reinterprets the historical bridge that once connected communities over the lake, transforming it into a multi-functional hub that encourages environmental stewardship and reconnects the public with the natural landscape.

### Structural and Material Strategy
The design employs a range of contemporary materials to ensure both durability and aesthetic appeal. Concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing the necessary strength for the bridge's framework. Glass facades facilitate natural light and unobstructed views of the lake, creating a dialogue between interior spaces and the surrounding environment. The inclusion of steel components enhances the flexibility and resilience of the structure, while natural stone accents pay homage to traditional Persian architectural styles. Green roof systems are integrated to improve insulation and promote biodiversity, alongside photovoltaic panels installed to harness solar energy and support sustainability goals.

### Community and Ecological Engagement
The project emphasizes community interaction through the incorporation of Persian gardens, which not only enrich the landscape but also support local wildlife. Multi-use facilities within the bridge enable diverse functions such as offices, retail spaces, and accommodations, promoting a mixed-use philosophy that fosters economic vitality. Elevated pedestrian pathways and recreational areas encourage community engagement and facilitate access to the lake. The strategic placement of wind turbines further underscores a commitment to renewable energy, enhancing the project's ecological footprint while integrating sustainable practices throughout its design.

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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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