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Fabric Pots and Metal Tubes Create a Biophilic Home Office Environment

Author:
Ulla Staub
Fabric Pots and Metal Tubes Create a Biophilic Home Office Environment

Project in-detail

A thoughtful integration of fabric pots and metal tubes transforms a compact workspace into a biophilic home office that prioritizes both user comfort and plant health.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates continuous planting throughout the workspace for enhanced air quality.
02
Utilizes metal tubes for both structural support and irrigation channels.
03
Features an extendable water tank designed for easy refilling and maintenance.
04
Employs fabric pots that promote optimal root growth and prevent overwatering.
05
Incorporates a low-maintenance hanging plant, Lepismium, to enhance the natural atmosphere.

The Biophilic Microspace presents a thoughtful response to the evolving needs of home offices. As more people work from home, creating a productive environment is increasingly important. This design integrates ergonomic principles with natural elements, fostering a workspace that promotes focus and comfort. The overall approach centers on the idea that a healthy connection to nature can enhance well-being in everyday life.

Framework and Plant Integration

The structure of the Biophilic Microspace is built using metal tubes. These tubes serve two key roles: providing support and allowing for an irrigation system. By incorporating continuous planting, the workspace is transformed into a refreshing green environment. This integration not only adds visual depth but also improves air quality, making the workspace more inviting and beneficial for its users.

Water Management System

At the core of this workspace is a water tank, strategically placed at the bottom of the planting structure. This tank is designed to be extendable, ensuring convenient refilling. An electric pump within the framework distributes water, maintaining the plants effectively. This system reduces the risk of overwatering, creating an ideal moisture level that supports plant health.

Use of Fabric Pots

Fabric pots are an essential feature of the design, offering an effective solution for plant growth. These pots help retain water while allowing for proper drainage and aeration. This prevents issues commonly associated with typical pots, such as root damage. The breathable fabric supports strong root systems and enhances the overall health of the plants while contributing to the workspace's aesthetic.

Interior Design Elements

The interior design incorporates wooden elements, creating a warm atmosphere that complements the greenery. This choice of material aligns with the natural theme, enhancing both comfort and structural strength. Each detail is carefully considered to balance visual appeal with practicality, ensuring that the workspace remains inviting and functional.

A hanging plant, Lepismium, tops the structure, adding a final touch of greenery. This choice symbolizes the design’s commitment to merging functionality with nature, enriching the overall experience of the workspace.

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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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