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Lattice-Structured Community Hubs Enhanced by Biodiversity and Natural Planting in Urban Ecology

Authors:
Valentina Zalch, Lea El Nachar, Riham Hallak, Angy Hayek, Christin El samra
Lattice-Structured Community Hubs Enhanced by Biodiversity and Natural Planting in Urban Ecology

Project in-detail

Characterized by its egg-shaped lattice structures that integrate biodiversity and natural planting, the design transforms an underutilized urban space into multifunctional community hubs that enhance social interaction and ecological resilience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Egg-shaped structures optimize natural light and ventilation through innovative lattice design.
02
Integrated green spaces enhance urban biodiversity and promote ecological health.
03
Strategic openings connect interior spaces to the surrounding urban environment.
04
Materials selection includes transparent glass and durable concrete for structural integrity.
05
Community engagement is central, fostering social interaction and ownership of the space.

## Overview

"The Egg Hatcher" is an architectural project situated beneath one of Beirut's independence bridges, aimed at revitalizing an underutilized and polluted urban space into a community-oriented environment. The design approach addresses environmental degradation while fostering social interaction, reflecting an intent to enhance the quality of life for local residents through the thoughtful integration of architecture and nature.

## Spatial Strategy and Integration

The design employs egg-shaped structures, designated as "Egg Bubbles," which function as both ecological hatches and community hubs. These spherical formations feature a lattice shell that facilitates natural light penetration while promoting biodiversity. Strategic openings within the structures create connections to the surrounding environment, enhancing airflow and user comfort. The project also engages with the existing infrastructure of the bridge, ensuring that the design aligns with its verticality and utility, turning a marginalized area into an active civic space.

## Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The selection of materials is critical to the project's functionality and identity. Glass is employed in the lattice structures to allow for transparency and light, while concrete serves as the primary material for durability and structural integrity, supporting the weight of the overhead bridge. Steel reinforces the overall design, providing necessary strength and flexibility. Additionally, natural planting is integrated throughout the site, enhancing biodiversity and contributing to aesthetic appeal while helping to mitigate pollution and improve micro-climates. This focus on materiality underscores the commitment to sustainability and ecological resilience within the urban context.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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