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Geothermal Heating and Tower Gardens in a Sustainable Community Hub

Author:
Hai Ngo
Geothermal Heating and Tower Gardens in a Sustainable Community Hub

Project in-detail

Incorporating geothermal heating and a tower garden, the design fosters a sustainable environment for community activities and dining while maintaining a close connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a tower garden to promote biodiversity and urban agriculture.
02
Designed with geothermal heating for energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
03
Features a nursery plant area for educational engagement with nature.
04
Utilizes solid materials in back-of-house spaces to optimize functionality.
05
Includes a shallow pond for effective water management and irrigation.

The Nomad Farmhouse is a well-considered building located in a natural environment that emphasizes sustainability and user experience. It serves multiple functions, including dining, relaxation, and education, while maintaining a close connection to the landscape. The design approach centers on creating spaces that foster community engagement while also providing areas suitable for quiet reflection.

Design Layout

The layout features a central lobby that acts as a hub for various activities. Within this space, visitors can find a souvenir shop, a multipurpose hall for events like cinema screenings and yoga classes, and an all-day dining area. Surrounding these core elements are gardens and planting areas that create a direct relationship with the landscape. This careful arrangement invites guests to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the natural beauty of the site.

Functional Spaces

Individual spaces within the Nomad Farmhouse are intentionally zoned to allow for easy movement and accessibility. Dining areas and event spaces are positioned to facilitate interaction among visitors and staff. There are also indoor planting areas that provide opportunities for hands-on learning and enjoyment. By offering a variety of experiences, the design encourages engagement while allowing for moments of solitude and peace.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is fundamental to the design. A geothermal energy system is integrated to help manage heating needs efficiently. Additionally, water management strategies are in place, including the use of a shallow pond and a water cistern for irrigation. The thoughtful incorporation of filtration systems and drainage solutions demonstrates a responsible approach to environmental care, ensuring the building operates harmoniously within its natural setting.

Material Considerations

Material choices are focused on practicality and environmental impact. Solid materials are employed in back-of-house areas to support operational needs, while glazing in greenhouse sections enhances natural light and supports plant growth. Each decision regarding materials contributes to the overall functionality and aesthetic coherence of the building, allowing it to integrate well with its surroundings.

The Nomad Farmhouse presents a combination of practical design elements and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. The attention to detail in the layout and material use reflects a balanced approach that invites people to connect with both the structure and the landscape around them.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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