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Hydroponic Living Spaces Featuring Modular Walls and Expanded Clay Aggregate for Sustainable Urban Housing

Authors:
Arash Madani, Fatemeh Zarini, Sina Zeinal Zadeh, Elaheh Ashoori, Bahaar Shiri, Mahan Nobakht
Hydroponic Living Spaces Featuring Modular Walls and Expanded Clay Aggregate for Sustainable Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing expanded clay aggregate and hydroponic systems, this sustainable urban housing solution redefines adaptability through modular walls, creating versatile living spaces for contemporary families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes expanded clay aggregate for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Incorporates hydroponics and aeroponics for integrated food production.
03
Features movable walls for adaptable living spaces.
04
Includes a decentralized energy management system using blockchain.
05
Design integrates communal gardens to foster neighborhood interaction.

## Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the project "Angels Footprint" addresses the evolving needs of urban living while emphasizing the importance of cultural identity. This design seeks to integrate traditional values with modern innovation, reflecting the socio-cultural context of the region. The intent is to create adaptable spaces that meet the dynamic requirements of families over time, facilitating social interactions and fostering a sense of community.

## Spatial Dynamics and Configuration
The architectural layout employs a modular neighborhood structure that allows for flexibility in design. Each module, or "block," serves as an independent unit while remaining interconnected with communal space to encourage neighborly engagement. Innovative features, such as movable walls, provide residents with the ability to modify their environments according to their needs, reinforcing the significance of hospitality and social gatherings in Emirati culture. The design also includes smart technology to optimize home energy management, facilitating efficient energy consumption through a decentralized network.

## Materiality and Sustainability
In line with sustainability goals, the project utilizes locally sourced materials such as ready-mix concrete and expanded clay aggregate, enhancing both thermal performance and structural integrity for the region's climate. Water-permeable materials are incorporated to improve water management, essential in arid environments. The overall design emphasizes energy efficiency, achieving a substantial reduction in cooling loads and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, integrated hydroponic and aeroponic systems contribute to food production within residential units, promoting self-sufficiency and community resilience.

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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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