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Elevated Living with Hydroponics and Sustainable Materials in a Modular Design

Author:
Camilo Cerro
Elevated Living with Hydroponics and Sustainable Materials in a Modular Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating hydroponics and modularity, this elevated residence utilizes sustainable materials to meet the housing needs of the New Orleans community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a hydroponic garden for food production within the living space.
02
Features an elevated foundation to enhance flood resilience in a vulnerable area.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for rapid assembly and structural efficiency.
04
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management.
05
Includes a bent A-frame design to optimize ventilation and natural light.

The project is a modular home design situated in the 9th Ward of New Orleans, USA. It focuses on creating adaptable and sustainable living spaces in a context marked by environmental challenges and historical significance. This architectural project aims to address housing needs while promoting social interaction and ecological stewardship. The design includes modular components that can be easily assembled and customized, highlighting a solution for both temporary and permanent housing as community requirements evolve.

Modular Structure and Sustainability Features

The project employs a modular design approach, using pre-fabricated components that streamline the construction process. Each unit measures 22' x 12', allowing for both individual homes and expandable configurations. The design integrates essential sustainable features, such as solar energy systems, rainwater harvesting mechanisms, and composting toilets, focusing on self-sufficiency and minimizing the carbon footprint. The use of natural materials, including wood for flooring and steel for structural support, further emphasizes durability and environmental compatibility.

Additionally, the hydroponic garden incorporated into the design signifies a unique aspect of this project, enhancing food security and promoting sustainable practices among residents. The elevated foundation serves not only to protect against flooding—a critical consideration in New Orleans—but also facilitates community interaction through shared outdoor spaces.

Community-Focused Layout and Interaction

The layout promotes accessibility and interaction among residents, featuring communal areas that encourage social engagement. Living spaces are designed to be airy and conducive to natural light, with expansive windows and transitional access to outdoor terraces. The orientation of the building capitalizes on passive heating and cooling strategies, thereby reducing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems.

Landscaping plays a vital role as well, with native vegetation integrated into the design to support local biodiversity and enhance visual appeal. This not only adds to the project’s ecological objectives but also fosters a sense of belonging and connection to the surrounding environment.

In summary, this modular home project represents a concentrated effort to harmonize architectural design with community values and environmental responsibility. The innovative approach to modularity within residential architecture addresses both immediate housing requirements and long-term sustainability. For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation in detail.

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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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