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Honeycomb Cardboard Housing Integrated with Vertical Gardens for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Lorenzo Di pardo, Beatrice Fusilli
Honeycomb Cardboard Housing Integrated with Vertical Gardens for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Combining honeycomb cardboard construction with vertical gardens and a micro-farming system, this solution offers a sustainable living environment tailored for students and urban dwellers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes honeycomb cardboard for lightweight and sustainable construction.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens to enhance air quality and food accessibility.
03
Features a micro-farming system to promote local food production.
04
Designed to adapt for urban, rural, and university environments.
05
Facilitates community engagement through an accessible assembly process.

Blocks is an innovative housing design that aims to meet the needs of various living environments, including urban neighborhoods, countryside areas, and university campuses. The central idea focuses on the modular nature of a wooden cube, which can be easily turned into functional living spaces. With a design that emphasizes flexibility, the project incorporates essential technologies such as water recycling and solar energy. It ultimately seeks to provide affordable and adaptable housing for professional couples, students, and workers.

Modularity and Functionality

The design of Blocks utilizes a modular approach, allowing units to serve multiple functions while minimizing the environmental footprint. Each unit includes essential facilities: a shower room, toilet, sleeping area, working space, kitchen, dining, and living areas, as well as space for utilities. This thoughtful arrangement encourages effective movement and interaction among occupants while addressing the basic needs of modern living.

Construction and Assembly

Blocks simplifies the construction process, making it easier for communities to become involved in the building of their own homes. Key phases include anchoring the structure, wall assembly, and roof construction, which contribute to the adaptability of each unit according to the unique requirements of its residents. This user-friendly approach fosters a sense of ownership among occupants, creating a supportive community atmosphere.

Sustainable Design Features

A unique aspect of Blocks is the inclusion of vertical gardens and micro-farming systems. These components serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. They enhance air quality while providing residents with access to fresh produce, reinforcing the project’s focus on sustainability. By integrating these features, the design encourages community engagement, connecting residents with their environment in meaningful ways.

Materiality

The units utilize honeycomb cardboard as a primary structural element. This material is lightweight yet strong, ensuring the integrity of each module while remaining environmentally friendly. Additionally, Ipe wood trim is employed for its durability, contributing to the overall sustainability and longevity of the structure.

The layout of Blocks stands out through its interconnected living spaces and clear pathways. It reflects careful planning that prioritizes functional living while embracing sustainability and community involvement. The thoughtful arrangement of each element reveals a design that responds to the real needs of its users, all within a framework that considers the greater urban landscape.

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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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