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Hydroponic Facade and Aerogel Insulation in Micro Living Solutions

Author:
Camilo Cerro
Hydroponic Facade and Aerogel Insulation in Micro Living Solutions

Project in-detail

With a hydroponic facade and aerogel insulation, these micro-apartments redefine urban living by offering sustainable self-sufficiency and efficient use of space for residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hydroponic facade integrates food production into urban living.
02
Aerogel insulation provides superior thermal efficiency in small spaces.
03
Prefabricated units streamline construction and reduce on-site waste.
04
Subterranean water tanks optimize space while ensuring self-sufficiency.
05
Tesla power-wall battery supports off-grid energy usage at night.

The design focuses on creating sustainable living spaces in an urban environment, specifically through the development of micro-apartments. These units are intended to support a high density of residents while also encouraging an eco-friendly lifestyle. The overall concept integrates various modern technologies to ensure self-sufficiency in energy, water, and food by creating living environments that are both functional and efficient.

Energy Solutions

Solar panels and solar heaters are used to provide hot water and electricity within the micro-apartments. Each unit features a Tesla power-wall battery, enabling residents to store energy for use at night. An atmospheric water generator (AWG) is included to convert humidity from the air into drinking water, greatly enhancing the units' self-sufficiency. This approach reduces reliance on municipal water systems and encourages a more sustainable way of living.

Water Management

Efficient water management is a key aspect of the design. The system incorporates grey water recycling and a rain catchment system, with collected water stored in tanks located underground. This strategic design helps to free up space within the living units while addressing essential water needs. The focus on reducing environmental impact ensures that the micro-apartments operate independently, catering to both practical and ecological concerns.

Interior Design and Space Utilization

Inside the micro-apartments, an open-plan layout is used to maximize the functional use of space. Built-in elements along the walls serve multiple purposes, including a murphy bed, seating, storage, and shelving. These features work together to create a compact yet comfortable living environment. The design also makes use of large windows, providing natural light and ventilation. This contributes to a pleasant atmosphere and ensures that the apartments are inviting spaces for residents.

Materiality and Structural Framework

Prefabrication techniques are employed to simplify the construction process, with a spider foundation system that can adapt to various types of ground. The exterior of the micro-apartments is cladded in metal, offering durability, while aerogel insulation enhances thermal performance. Inside, particle board is used for walls and surfaces, and bamboo flooring contributes to a warm and natural aesthetic. Hydroponic systems are also integrated into the design, allowing for vertical farming that supports food production, further emphasizing the project’s commitment to sustainability.

The design balances modern living with environmental awareness, creating small but meaningful spaces. It offers a practical solution to urban housing challenges while promoting a lifestyle that is conscious of resources and the surrounding environment.

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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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