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Hydroponic Greenhouse with ETFE and Interactive Terraces

Author:
Yuta Sugasawa
Hydroponic Greenhouse with ETFE and Interactive Terraces

Project in-detail

Incorporating a hydroponic system and lightweight ETFE walls, the stepped greenhouse and multipurpose space effectively utilize the land’s contours to create versatile environments for community engagement and sustainable agriculture.
5 key facts about this project
01
Stepped design optimizes sunlight exposure for plant growth.
02
Hydroponic system enhances water efficiency and growth rate.
03
ETFE walls reduce structural weight and improve insulation.
04
Multipurpose space promotes flexible community interactions.
05
Seasonal adaptability allows for winter ice skating and summer gardens.

The design is situated on a landscape marked by distinct contour lines, featuring two main structures: a stepped greenhouse and a multipurpose space. This setting allows for a clear focus on both functionality and interaction. The concept revolves around utilizing the slope of the land to enhance light for the greenhouse while providing flexible seating in the multipurpose area.

Stepped Greenhouse

The stepped greenhouse is designed to maximize light for plants. Terraces are arranged to prevent shading from surrounding foliage, creating ideal growth conditions. The inclusion of a hydroponic system enhances water efficiency compared to traditional soil gardening. This approach allows seedlings to grow faster and showcases a commitment to sustainable practices in agriculture.

Multipurpose Space

In contrast, the multipurpose space features a stepped floor that follows the natural contour lines of the terrain. This characteristic promotes a range of activities without the limitations of walls. The open layout encourages interaction among users. Variations in elevation create informal seating arrangements, accommodating both children and adults and making the space adaptable for different uses.

Seasonal Adaptability

Seasonal adaptability is a key feature of the design. The outer basin serves as an ice rink in winter, ensuring continued use throughout the year. When the weather is favorable, the hydroponic systems extend to outdoor water gardens, enhancing the overall experience. This aspect of the design considers changes in the environment and ensures the architecture remains functional across seasons.

Structural Considerations

The roof of the greenhouse is tilted to capture sunlight effectively during winter. This design choice improves thermal performance and light exposure for the plants. The external walls are made of ETFE, a lightweight material that minimizes the need for heavy structural supports, reducing shading areas. This selection enhances the efficiency of the greenhouse while maintaining a focus on functionality.

The overall design encourages a connection between the built environment and nature. The interplay of stepped forms and surrounding elements fosters a sense of interaction that engages both plants and people, allowing for meaningful experiences in cultivation and community activities.

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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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