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Integrated Vegetable Garden Enhanced by Sustainable Wood and High-Efficiency Glass in Contemporary Family Residence

Authors:
Alaba Abiodun Oduniyi, Oladeinde Ebiesuwa, Hannah Izuakolam Kanu
Integrated Vegetable Garden Enhanced by Sustainable Wood and High-Efficiency Glass in Contemporary Family Residence

Project in-detail

A sustainable residence integrates a vegetable garden with efficient solar panels and high-performance glass, creating a contemporary home designed for family living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design includes an integrated vegetable garden to promote sustainability and self-sufficiency.
02
High-efficiency glass windows maximize natural light and improve thermal performance.
03
The use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability and offers a unique aesthetic.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while reducing environmental impact.
05
The bent A-frame design optimizes space and facilitates efficient ventilation throughout the home.

### Overview

Located within a culturally rich context in the UAE, the design embodies a contemporary residential approach that harmonizes traditional aesthetics with modern amenities. The intent is to create a sustainable living environment that caters to the unique needs of its occupants while emphasizing eco-friendliness and self-sufficiency. The layout and features reflect a thoughtful integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering a connection with nature.

### Spatial Organization

The residence is organized across three distinct levels to optimize functionality and user experience. The ground floor includes a home office designed to maximize natural light, alongside a living room that captures prominent views through expansive windows. The dining area is strategically positioned for formal gatherings and connects effortlessly with the kitchen, which is equipped with a pantry and breakfast table for enhanced efficiency.

On the first floor, en-suite bedrooms are complemented by ample dressing areas and leisure space, while a family room offers versatility for various activities and benefits from natural cross-ventilation. The second floor serves as an extension of the living space, offering potential views of the surroundings.

### Material and Sustainability

Material selection plays a crucial role in balancing aesthetic appeal with functional performance. Primary materials include concrete for structural strength, high-efficiency glass for improved lighting and ventilation, and clay tiles for durability. Sustainable woods are used in finishes to evoke warmth and tradition, while high-performance insulation enhances energy efficiency. The integration of solar panels into the roof design further reduces reliance on conventional energy sources.

In terms of sustainability, the home incorporates smart automation systems for efficient management of lighting, temperature, and security. Internet of Things (IoT) devices monitor and optimize home management, while energy-efficient appliances contribute to reduced energy consumption. The landscape design is equally strategic, featuring a vegetable garden and communal areas that facilitate outdoor living and environmental stewardship.

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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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