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Inward-Facing Apartments with Vertical Gardens and Energy-Generating Solar Cells

Author:
Jonas Hoyer
Inward-Facing Apartments with Vertical Gardens and Energy-Generating Solar Cells

Project in-detail

Inward-facing apartments surrounded by vertical gardens and equipped with solar cells provide a sustainable solution for affordable urban living adjacent to busy highways.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inward-facing apartments shield residents from urban noise and pollution.
02
Vertical gardens enhance air quality and biodiversity within the living spaces.
03
Solar cells integrated into the façade contribute to energy self-sufficiency.
04
Prefabricated construction methods streamline building processes and reduce waste.
05
ETFE cushions provide a lightweight alternative to traditional glazing materials.

The OASIS project provides a timely solution to the pressing need for affordable housing in urban areas facing challenges like noise and air pollution. Located near busy highways, the design effectively responds to these environmental issues while delivering quality living spaces. The core concept focuses on creating high-density housing that features inward-facing apartments, fostering a quieter and more comfortable experience for residents amid the bustling city.

Spatial Orientation

Inward-facing apartments are a key element of the design, effectively shielding residents from the disruptive sounds of traffic and poor air quality. By turning the living spaces away from external noise, the project helps create a calm environment that enhances the quality of life. This approach cultivates a sense of community within the building, allowing for social interaction in a more peaceful setting.

Vertical Integration

Vertical gardens play an important role in the overall design. They not only enhance the visual appeal of the interiors but also serve a practical purpose as natural air filters. These green spaces improve air quality, making the living environment healthier and more welcoming. Integrating nature into urban design helps residents connect with their surroundings while offering ecological benefits as well.

Sustainable Technologies

Minimizing outward-facing windows allows the façade to incorporate solar panels, which generate renewable energy for the building. This technical choice contributes to lower energy costs, making living there more affordable for residents. The careful attention to energy efficiency reflects a commitment to sustainable urban living while promoting the use of clean energy sources.

Material Selection

Cost management is crucial in this design, which employs prefabricated construction methods for individual apartment modules. This approach not only speeds up the building process but also reduces material waste, making it an environmentally conscious choice. The use of ETFE cushions as a lightweight alternative to traditional glass further lowers construction costs and boosts energy efficiency.

OASIS focuses on the essential needs of urban living by adding thoughtful design details that enhance the residential experience. The interior layouts prioritize natural light and privacy, creating uplifting spaces. Vertical elements within the project contribute to a lively atmosphere while ensuring the building stands out within its urban setting.

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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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