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Folding Panels and Vertical Gardens in a Community-Focused Setting

Authors:
Matilde Boin, Erika Benetti, Brunella Magri
Folding Panels and Vertical Gardens in a Community-Focused Setting

Project in-detail

Incorporating folding panels and lush vertical gardens, the design optimizes community living spaces in the heart of London’s Blackwall district while enhancing ecological interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Folding panels enable dynamic adjustments for light and privacy.
02
Vertical gardens improve air quality and enhance residents' well-being.
03
Community spaces encourage social interaction and shared activities.
04
Design maximizes natural light through strategic layout and openings.
05
White grid framework contrasts with natural greenery for visual interest.

The design located in the Blackwall district of London redefines urban living through a thoughtful approach to community integration and sustainability. Two distinct facades stand out: a white grid framework on the east side framing dynamic folding panels, and vibrant vertical gardens on the west side. This combination aims to create a relationship between the built environment and nature, fostering a more interactive and livable community.

Design Concept

The design emphasizes breaking away from traditional brutalist structures in favor of a more engaging form. The folding panels add visual interest and flexibility, enabling passive solar shading and varied functionality. This modern approach not only enhances the building's aesthetic but also allows for practical living solutions that meet contemporary needs.

Vertical Gardens

On the west facade, vertical gardens play a fundamental role in improving the microclimate and contributing to ecological balance. With their lush greenery, these gardens soften the architectural presence while encouraging biodiversity. Their strategic placement optimizes access and views, making them an important part of the residential experience and positively impacting the well-being of residents.

Community-Centric Layout

Inside, the apartments have been thoughtfully arranged to maximize space for different types of occupants. The design optimizes layouts to create flexible living areas suitable for families and shared living situations. Also, duplex units have been converted into communal spaces for laundry and gatherings. This encourages a sense of community while reducing dependence on individual household appliances.

Materials and Aesthetics

The design uses minimalist materials, specifically the white grid and folding panels. These elements reflect a modern architectural style that focuses on simplicity. By highlighting these details, the design allows the vibrant greenery and communal areas to take center stage. The result is an inviting atmosphere that connects residents with their environment and encourages outdoor engagement.

Colorful vertical gardens overflow their boundaries and integrate with the building's structure, creating a layered effect that enhances the overall experience of the space.

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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

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