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Hydroponic Winter Gardens Integrated with Noise-Reducing Towers in Suburban Living

Authors:
Elizaveta Tsanava, Serofim Shilnikov, Tatiana Kafanova, Anastasia Savelyeva
Hydroponic Winter Gardens Integrated with Noise-Reducing Towers in Suburban Living

Project in-detail

Rooftop mini-basketball courts and hydroponic winter gardens enhance the living environment in a series of noise-reducing towers, offering a new model for affordable suburban housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooftop mini-basketball courts promote community engagement among residents.
02
Hydroponic winter gardens allow residents to grow food sustainably.
03
Round tower designs function as noise barriers from nearby transportation.
04
Multi-level grid pattern integrates public and private spaces effectively.
05
Community kitchens encourage neighborly interaction and shared meals.

The project reimagines suburban living in Vancouver by combining innovative urban planning with a focus on community and sustainability. Located along the Skytrain corridor, which was developed for Expo 86, the design integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. This multi-level grid pattern addresses the need for affordable housing while enhancing the overall experience of living in the suburbs.

Design Concept

The design features a multi-level grid pattern that connects mid-rise buildings with traditional detached houses. This arrangement blends public amenities with private areas, encouraging community interaction and ensuring easy access to necessities. The layout is thoughtful and practical, aiming to respond to the realities of suburban life while creating a welcoming environment.

Noise Mitigation

A significant concern in this location is the noise from the nearby Skytrain. The buildings are shaped with rounded forms that grow larger as they approach the transportation line, acting as sound barriers. Sloping roofs are also included to help deflect noise and provide spacious terraces for outdoor activities. This design element makes for a more pleasant living experience, shielding residents from the unwanted sounds of the city.

Landscaping and Community Spaces

Landscaping plays an important role in adding appeal to the project. There are city gardens and loggias that create lively spaces for leisure and gathering. Playgrounds cater to children of different age groups, while food and beverage facilities promote socializing among neighbors. Together, these elements contribute to a vibrant and active community atmosphere.

Sustainable Features

A winter garden that spans the height of the building features hydroponic vegetation, offering residents the chance to grow their own food. This sustainable feature helps make fresh produce accessible while encouraging participation in urban agriculture.

On the rooftop, a mini-basketball court and communal resting areas highlight a commitment to creating a comfortable and engaging living environment. These details combine to form a unique living space that meets today’s needs for community and sustainability.

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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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