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Hydroponic Gardens and Local Stone Integration in Sustainable Mountain Living

Authors:
Calin Segal, Attali Tiffany, Gerolamo Gnecchi, Hicham Filali
Hydroponic Gardens and Local Stone Integration in Sustainable Mountain Living

Project in-detail

Harnessing local stone and hydroponic gardens, the design creates a sustainable framework for communal living in the mountains, emphasizing ecological resilience and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes hydroponic gardens to enhance food production within a compact footprint.
02
Incorporates local stone from nearby riverbeds to reflect the natural landscape.
03
Features interconnected communal spaces designed to foster social interaction.
04
Employs a bent A-frame design to maximize structural efficiency and minimize material use.
05
Integrates wind turbines for energy autonomy and reduced environmental impact.

**Overview**
Located in the mountainous region of the Himalayas, "Pagodic Proliferation" is designed as a self-sufficient ecosystem intended to promote knowledge exchange between local inhabitants and tourists. The project embodies a comprehensive approach to sustainable living by integrating architectural design with ecological practices. It aims to address both the aesthetic and socio-cultural dynamics of the region while utilizing local resources and construction techniques.

**Spatial Strategy**
The layout consists of a circular arrangement of modular structures, each serving distinct functions—communal, living, and agricultural units—while maintaining a cohesive system that facilitates interconnectivity. The design incorporates advanced irrigation and sustainable resource management systems, which are represented in the site plan through strategically placed utilities for water collection, renewable energy, and sanitation. This configuration emphasizes a closed-loop system conducive to both community engagement and individual privacy.

**Materiality and Cultural Integration**
Material selection is pivotal in establishing the project's identity and aligns with its sustainability goals. Key components include prefabricated steel for structural support, local stones for site integration, clay for thermal performance, and wood for aesthetic appeal. Glass elements enhance transparency and light access, while aluminum serves practical functions in roofing. The overall aesthetic draws from traditional pagoda forms, merging cultural references with contemporary design to reflect local heritage and promote environmental harmony.

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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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