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Elevated Living Integrated With Moss Panels and High-Strength Concrete

Author:
Marcos Moises Villegas Barboza
Elevated Living Integrated With Moss Panels and High-Strength Concrete

Project in-detail

Integrating high-strength concrete with biophilic design elements like moss panels, the structure offers adaptable micro-housing solutions that harmonize urban living with ecological sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes high-strength concrete to enhance structural integrity while minimizing weight.
02
Incorporates advanced natural ventilation strategies through strategically placed openings.
03
Features modular units designed for efficient space utilization and adaptability.
04
Employs moss panels for enhanced insulation and biodiversity support.
05
Integrates telescopic lifts for seamless vertical accessibility across varying elevations.

# Architectural Design Analysis Report: Ecotone Haven

## Overview
Ecotone Haven is strategically located at the intersection of urban development and natural ecosystems, addressing ecological concerns while enhancing residential living. This project prioritizes a cohesive relationship between built structures and surrounding landscapes, employing innovative design methodologies to optimize both functionality and sustainability.

## Ecological Integration
### Ecotonic Philosophy
The design embodies the principles of an ecotone, recognizing transitional ecological spaces rich in biodiversity. By implementing strategies to respect and preserve habitats threatened by urban sprawl, the architecture reflects a commitment to fluidity and interconnectivity, effectively bridging urban and natural environments. This approach aims to reduce human impact while fostering symbiotic relationships between inhabitants and their surroundings.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The project utilizes a varied selection of materials that align with sustainability objectives. High-strength concrete forms the foundation, providing durability while keeping thermal mass minimal. Large windows enhance natural light and passive solar heating, keeping occupants visually connected to the landscape. An external structure of lightweight aluminum and steel allows adaptability to the local terrain, while moss and green roof panels contribute to insulation and biodiversity preservation. The use of both natural and repurposed materials is central to minimizing the project's carbon footprint.

## Spatial Dynamics
### Functional Organization
The design comprises modular housing units that facilitate a blend of living, working, and recreational environments. An open-plan layout enables social interaction and maximizes light access, while integrated retractable furniture promotes spatial efficiency. Personal telescopic hydraulic lifts enhance vertical circulation, addressing accessibility needs and harmonizing with the site’s topography.

### Indoor-Outdoor Interrelation
Large openings within the design facilitate an indoor-outdoor connection, enriching the living experience. Elevated pathways foster mobility and reduce ground disturbance, encouraging a harmonious coexistence with nature.

## Architectural Outcomes
### Biodiversity and Cultural Sensitivity
Ecotone Haven prioritizes enhancing local ecosystems by limiting soil disturbance and incorporating features that promote wildlife habitats. The project advocates for a sustainable lifestyle through energy efficiency and natural ventilation, promoting a culture of environmental stewardship among its residents. Notably, features such as 180-degree panoramic views and flexible micro-unit designs reflect a commitment to enhancing the inhabitants' appreciation of their natural surroundings.

### Innovative Characteristics
This design is characterized by its ability to reestablish a connection between urban life and nature. The integration of elevated designs and pathways invites inhabitants to engage meaningfully with their environment, providing both temporal and permanent living solutions that adapt to user preferences.

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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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