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Integrating Vertical Gardens with Glazed Facades in Sustainable Urban Living

Author:
Yang Jibeom
Integrating Vertical Gardens with Glazed Facades in Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating a biophilic design with vertical gardens and a split-level layout, this structure enhances urban life through its extensive use of glazed facades while promoting community interaction and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates vertical gardens within the structural design for enhanced air quality and aesthetics.
02
Utilizes a split-level layout that adapts seamlessly to the site's topography.
03
Employs cross-laminated timber panels for structural strength and reduced carbon footprint.
04
Features extensive glazing to maximize natural light while connecting interior spaces to nature.
05
Incorporates charred wooden shingles that enhance durability and visual interest.

**Overview**

Located in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, the project integrates natural elements within an urban landscape, emphasizing a balance between built form and green spaces. The intention is to enhance public accessibility to nature while promoting community interaction and well-being. This design aligns with contemporary urban planning trends focused on sustainability and ecological responsibility.

**Design Elements and Spatial Organization**

The architectural form features a split-level design tailored to the site's topography, creating a dynamic silhouette that contrasts with serene, nature-rich environments at lower levels. The roof employs angular planes strategically to optimize natural lighting and energy efficiency. Extensive glazing throughout the façade establishes a visual connection to the surroundings, promoting transparency and facilitating natural light penetration. An interior conservatory area blends flora with architectural elements, purifying air and enhancing user experience through nature immersion.

The layout prioritizes functionality: the ground floor is dedicated to public engagement spaces designed for community use, while the lower level accommodates private amenities such as workspaces and meeting rooms. This separation fosters distinct user experiences and promotes a quieter environment.

**Materiality and Construction Approach**

Material selections reflect a commitment to durability and environmental mindfulness. Reinforced concrete serves as the primary structural material, enabling expansive open spaces. Extensive glass usage in doors and windows enhances transparency and energy efficiency. Wood elements, used for flooring and structural beams, introduce warmth, creating a tactile relationship with nature. Metal components in the roof structure and railings provide a modern contrast and ensure safety.

This project exemplifies innovative integration of vegetation within architectural design, marking a notable advancement in how urban structures incorporate living elements. Its multi-functional spaces cater to community needs while remaining adaptable to urban changes, illustrating a forward-thinking approach to sustainable design.

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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

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