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Elevated Living Spaces Embraced by Climbing Ivy and Warm-Concrete Structure

Author:
Bastiaan Muilwijk
Elevated Living Spaces Embraced by Climbing Ivy and Warm-Concrete Structure

Project in-detail

Climbing ivy envelops a warm-concrete structure with elevated outdoor spaces that promote sustainability while providing flexible residential living options in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Climbing ivy integrates with the structure to enhance aesthetics and air quality.
02
The design features a cross-construction of two-level high concrete beams.
03
Elevated outdoor spaces provide opportunities for vegetable gardens.
04
Warm-concrete helps regulate temperature and improve energy efficiency.
05
Flexible layout accommodates both communal and private residential areas.

Gardens is an architectural design that blends historical influences with modern living needs. Located in Rome, it pays tribute to the city’s rich architectural heritage while providing functional spaces for the community. The design centers around concrete beams that form a structural framework, surrounded by verdant ivy, which invites nature into everyday life.

Design Concept

The project utilizes a cross-construction of two-level high beams, fostering various spatial experiences. This arrangement encourages interaction between indoor and outdoor areas, allowing natural light to fill the spaces. The balance between transparent and solid elements creates environments that cater to communal gatherings and private moments, making the building adaptable to different living styles.

Structural Composition

The design accommodates larger facilities over one or two levels while also being flexible enough to include numerous smaller residential units. Elevation changes arise where the concrete beams intersect, optimizing outdoor areas that can hold vegetable gardens and shared spaces. These features support a lifestyle that values sustainability and community engagement.

Materiality

'Warm-concrete' is a primary material in the construction, allowing for a continuous structure. This choice enhances comfort and energy efficiency, handling changes in weather effectively. The focus on transparency further ensures good airflow within the spaces, contributing to a healthier living environment. The presence of climbing ivy improves both the aesthetic appeal and environmental functionality of the design.

Unique Attributes

The design promotes a sense of community by integrating shared spaces with private units. Ivy grows along the structures, creating a connection to the surrounding landscape. This detail enhances residents' engagement with nature and supports biodiversity within an urban setting. Such elements emphasize a responsive approach to living, making Gardens a fitting example of modern urban architecture.

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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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