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Hydroponic Farming and Cross-Laminated Timber Unite in Affordable Housing Community

Authors:
Kaavya Chhatrapati, Rika Takashima
Hydroponic Farming and Cross-Laminated Timber Unite in Affordable Housing Community

Project in-detail

A hydroponic farm situated on the second floor and cross-laminated timber construction are key features of this affordable housing complex designed to enhance community interaction and self-sufficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance sustainability and reduce construction costs.
02
A dedicated hydroponic farm provides residents with fresh produce.
03
Daycare facilities are integrated on multiple levels for family convenience.
04
An elevated ground floor creates shaded communal areas for social interaction.
05
Design includes inviting corridors that encourage community engagement.

SCOOP Melbourne is a modular housing project designed to meet the growing need for affordable living options in urban areas. Located in a dynamic city environment, the design focuses on community interaction by utilizing a grid-like layout that encourages residents to connect with one another. The aim is to create a welcoming space that serves the diverse needs of its inhabitants while providing practical solutions for modern living.

Design Features

The architecture includes flexible orientation, allowing it to adapt to various site conditions without losing its essence. Each housing unit is configured as a compact 15' by 20' square, featuring an inviting scooped shape that softens exterior angles. This design choice enhances accessibility and creates inviting communal corridors, encouraging gatherings and interactions that are vital to building a sense of community.



Integrated Amenities

Daycare facilities are thoughtfully integrated into the multi-level design, addressing family needs directly within the housing complex. By placing these amenities close to living spaces, the design ensures that parents have easy access to care for their children, reducing daily stress. This focus on practicality shows a commitment to supporting families in their everyday lives.



Urban Farming and Sustainability

A defining feature of SCOOP Melbourne is the elevated ground floor, which allows for shaded communal areas and incorporates a farmer's market. This market serves as a source of fresh produce grown within the building and generates revenue to support additional affordable housing units. On the second floor, hydroponic farming promotes self-sufficiency by allowing residents to grow a portion of their food, addressing concerns over food security and sustainability in urban communities.



Childcare Facilities

The third floor is dedicated to childcare services, which enhances the overall appeal for families. This inclusion makes it easier for residents to balance work and home life without the added pressure of finding childcare elsewhere. By integrating such essential services, the design contributes to an improved quality of life for all residents.



The project employs CLT, or cross-laminated timber, for wall panels, reflecting a commitment to sustainable building practices. This choice of material supports mass production while keeping construction costs manageable. The design culminates in an inviting communal corridor, encouraging residents to engage with one another and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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