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Green Roof and Ventilated Facade with High-Performance Glass in a Sustainable Living Space

Authors:
Ligia-maria Tantu, Roxana-elena Tatarciuc, Andreea-iulia Moldovan
Green Roof and Ventilated Facade with High-Performance Glass in a Sustainable Living Space

Project in-detail

Sustaining energy efficiency through a unique combination of a green roof and a ventilated facade with high-performance glass, the design creates a versatile living space that integrates seamlessly with urban life in Timişoara.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure reduces environmental impact and concrete use.
02
Continuous thermal insulation enhances energy efficiency throughout the building.
03
The green roof integrates rainwater filtration and storage systems.
04
High-performance glass windows optimize thermal energy gain and shading.
05
Flexible living spaces adapt to individual occupant needs and activities.

The design focuses on sustainable urban living in Timişoara, Romania. It addresses environmental challenges while catering to the local community's needs. The building is elevated to reduce its ecological impact and minimize the use of concrete, aligning with modern principles of resource efficiency. Overall, the concept emphasizes energy conservation and adaptability in residential spaces, offering flexibility for various lifestyles.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

The building features a continuous thermal insulation system made from sandwich panels with wood and batt insulation, enhancing energy performance. High-performance glass windows are strategically placed to gather heat during colder months. In warmer seasons, exterior frames provide shade. Solar panels on the roof are an essential part of the design, serving as a renewable energy source that supports the project's sustainable focus.

Green Infrastructure

A significant aspect of the design is the green roof, which improves visual appeal and serves an important environmental function. This roof filters and stores rainwater in underground tanks, promoting effective water management. Treated wood panels create ventilated facades that maintain good air quality indoors. The facades not only provide functionality but also contribute to the aesthetic character of the building.

Flexible Living Spaces

Inside, the layout supports adaptability with spaces that can change based on the occupants' needs. Wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are grouped for better organization and efficiency. The main living area is designed for multiple uses, allowing for easy shifts between work, relaxation, and sleep. Movable dividers enhance this flexibility, helping to maintain a sense of community while offering privacy.

Attention to local materials is evident, particularly in the use of wood, which supports the regional economy and reduces transport-related emissions. The careful choice of materials and the focus on energy-efficient systems result in a residence that is environmentally mindful. The design's integration of green elements connects the structure to its surroundings, fostering a greater harmony with nature.

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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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