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Greenhouse Integration with Recycled Materials for Sustainable Living

Author:
Blake Hageman
Greenhouse Integration with Recycled Materials for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

The greenhouse porch enhances indoor gardening while utilizing recycled materials, creating a compact microhome designed for sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Greenhouse porch enhances indoor gardening opportunities.
02
Uses recycled materials, emphasizing sustainability.
03
Compact footprint equivalent to a two-car garage.
04
Adaptable for various functions, from residential to retail.
05
Can operate both off-grid and with utility connections.

The Garden House is a compact and affordable microhome designed to blend beauty with functionality. Its footprint is similar to that of a two-car garage, making it suitable for various uses. It can serve as a residential unit, an urban garden center, or even a remote cabin. A key feature is the enclosed porch that functions as a greenhouse, allowing for an indoor garden. This design enhances the living experience while promoting sustainable practices.

Design Versatility

The Garden House is designed as a no-site, any-site structure. This means it can adapt easily to different locations and purposes. Residents can use it in urban settings or rural areas. Its compact size and efficient layout enable it to fit into diverse environments. This flexibility is essential for modern living, accommodating the needs of various individuals, such as gardeners and remote workers.

Construction and Materials

Simplicity in construction is a priority for the Garden House. It uses off-the-shelf materials that can be assembled by two people with basic tools. The build includes concrete blocks, dimensional plywood, lumber, and recycled polycarbonate. Choosing these materials reflects a focus on sustainability. Using renewable and recycled resources reduces the overall environmental impact of the project.

High Performance Systems

The Garden House is equipped with efficient systems for energy and resource management. It can operate off-grid or be connected to utility services. A solar panel and battery provide power, while a ductless mini-split heat pump ensures comfortable indoor temperatures. To support water conservation, the design incorporates high-efficiency fixtures, rainwater collection materials, and gray water recycling. These elements work together to encourage an eco-friendly lifestyle.

The greenhouse-style porch is more than just a feature; it invites nature into daily life. It allows residents to grow plants indoors, benefiting from natural light and fresh air. This connection to the outdoors enhances overall well-being, making the living space inviting and nurturing.

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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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