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Lava Stone Foundations and Hydroponic Greenhouses in a Community-Centric Gathering Space

Authors:
Yesim Serdar, Gorkem sefa Menekse, Dikmen Tayfur, Mahmut Fatih Bembeyaz
Lava Stone Foundations and Hydroponic Greenhouses in a Community-Centric Gathering Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with durable lava stone and integrated hydroponic greenhouses, the design fosters a vibrant community hub where local agriculture and social interaction thrive.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project features an anaerobic digester to convert food waste into biogas for energy, promoting a circular economy.
02
Utilizing lava stone for its foundation enhances thermal efficiency while providing a unique aesthetic.
03
Hydroponic greenhouses are integrated directly within the design to support year-round agricultural production.
04
A bird-watching tower offers panoramic views, encouraging interaction with the surrounding natural environment.
05
The facility incorporates open courtyards in a spiral layout, facilitating social engagement and community gatherings.
This architectural project presents a thoughtful blend of functionality and ecological awareness, designed to foster a deeper connection between communities and agriculture. The project serves as a model for integrating sustainable agricultural practices within urban settings, emphasizing the relationship between architecture and its surrounding environment. The core concept revolves around the idea of a "seed," symbolizing the potential within this design to nurture both social interaction and agricultural productivity.

The main features of the project include a multipurpose hall and a restaurant that occupy the central area, creating a hub for community engagement and education. This arrangement is intentional, allowing for direct interaction between visitors and the agricultural activities taking place on site. The multipurpose hall is equipped to host various events that celebrate local culture and promote awareness of sustainable practices. The restaurant complements this function by offering meals prepared from fresh, locally sourced produce, reinforcing the cycle of consumption and production.

The architectural design incorporates dedicated zones for agricultural activities, including greenhouses and crop hubs. These spaces are not only functional but also designed to encourage exploration and education. By incorporating hydroponic systems, the project showcases modern agricultural techniques within a structured yet organic layout. The design invites users to witness the cultivation process firsthand, bridging the gap between farm and table.

Materiality plays an essential role in this architectural project, with careful consideration given to sustainable and locally sourced resources. Wood is a primary material used throughout, providing warmth and an inviting aesthetic while also contributing to improved insulation. The choice of lava stone for the foundation addresses both durability and thermal performance, ensuring that the building can withstand varying climatic conditions. Corrugated steel adds an element of resilience to the roof and walls, creating a modern industrial appeal while still being practical for maintenance.

Sustainability is further emphasized through unique systems such as the anaerobic digester that converts food waste into biogas, subsequently used for heating and electricity. This highlights the project’s commitment to resource efficiency and waste reduction, conceptualizing a closed-loop system that can be replicated by other urban agricultural initiatives. Additionally, natural ventilation systems strategically placed throughout the design optimize air circulation, consequently lowering energy consumption.

Among the project's notable design elements is a bird-watching tower, which not only provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape but also engages users with nature. This feature enhances the experience of the site and signifies the importance of biodiversity in architectural design. The tower serves as a reminder of the interdependence between built and wild environments, inviting contemplation on the role of architecture in preserving natural habitats.

The overall layout of the project encourages movement through various public and private spaces, tying together the agricultural and architectural components in a cohesive manner. The open courtyards reflect a spiral or DNA-like configuration, enhancing the fluidity of space and promoting social interactions among visitors. This thoughtful organization of space facilitates a continuous connection with the outdoor environment, reinforcing the importance of nature in everyday life.

For those interested in exploring the intricate details of the architectural plans, sections, and designs, this project exemplifies effective architectural ideas that merge sustainability and community engagement. It is a significant example of how architecture can contribute positively to urban environments, stimulating local economies through innovative agricultural practices. Readers are encouraged to delve into the project presentation for a comprehensive understanding of its features and design outcomes.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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