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Harnessing Wind Energy Through Vegetated Walls in a Sustainable Timber Residence

Authors:
Elizabeth Bernal gómez, Santiago González prieto
Harnessing Wind Energy Through Vegetated Walls in a Sustainable Timber Residence

Project in-detail

Integrating a wind-harnessing vegetated wall with sustainable timber construction, this residence showcases an efficient energy system while providing functional living spaces designed for comfort and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a wind-harnessing vegetated wall to optimize energy efficiency.
02
Constructed using cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability.
03
Features charred wooden shingles that provide weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
04
Incorporates a geothermal conditioning system for natural temperature regulation.
05
Utilizes sliding glass doors to create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Overview
Wind House is situated in a contemporary residential context that emphasizes a harmonious relationship between built spaces and the natural environment. The design intent focuses on creating defined areas for various social interactions, organized into public, semi-public, and private zones. By integrating modern sustainability practices, the project enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor environments while promoting efficient space utilization.

### Spatial Organization
The architectural layout strategically connects living areas through sliding doors, ensuring fluid transitions and fostering social interaction. At the heart of the dwelling, the living room serves as a communal space that leads to a versatile kitchen, allowing for both functionality and accessibility. Private areas, including the bedrooms and bathrooms, are thoughtfully distanced from communal zones, ensuring sound and visual privacy. This careful spatial division provides residents with a well-balanced living experience, conducive to both sociability and solitude.

### Innovative Features
A standout element of Wind House is the "wind wall," which integrates aesthetic appeal with functional performance. This design feature captures wind energy for electricity generation while facilitating natural ventilation throughout the dwelling. The wind wall's vegetation mitigates excessive air flow and enhances the overall energy efficiency of the house. Constructed from recycled materials, it reinforces the project's commitment to sustainability while adding a dynamic interplay of light and shadow to the exterior.

### Material Selection
Material choices for Wind House play a crucial role in its sustainability and design integrity. Wood is extensively utilized in doors and window frames, providing warmth and an organic aesthetic. The incorporation of sliding glass doors enhances visual continuity with the outside, allowing natural light to permeate the interior. Components related to the geothermal conditioning system and recycled materials in the wind wall further underscore the building's environmental strategy, contributing to effective thermal regulation and overall energy performance.

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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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