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Lava Stone Foundations and Hydroponic Systems in a Community-Centric Greenhouse Complex

Authors:
Yesim Serdar, Gorkem sefa Menekse, Dikmen Tayfur, Mahmut Fatih Bembeyaz
Lava Stone Foundations and Hydroponic Systems in a Community-Centric Greenhouse Complex

Project in-detail

Constructed with lava stone foundations and timber cladding, this community-focused facility integrates hydroponic systems and multifunctional spaces to connect residents with sustainable food practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using local lava stone to emphasize regional materials.
02
Incorporates a bird-watching tower to enhance ecological awareness.
03
Features hydroponic systems exclusively for food production.
04
Timber cladding provides a natural aesthetic and sustainable choice.
05
Integrates multipurpose spaces to foster community interaction.

The design combines food production with architectural space in a way that promotes community engagement and sustainability. Positioned in a thoughtfully chosen location, the facility focuses on creating an environment where agriculture and daily life intersect. The design concept centers on an artificial ecosystem, intended to support local resources while establishing a connection between the users and their environment.

Central Hall

The multipurpose hall stands at the heart of the building. This space serves many functions, providing a venue for gatherings, events, and activities that contribute to social interaction. It encourages community participation and cultural exchange, allowing the space to adapt for various uses. Surrounding this central area, the greenhouse and restaurant create an immediate link between growing food and enjoying meals, reinforcing the importance of local agricultural practices.

Courtyards

Integrated courtyards enhance the project's focus on community. These open areas are designed for social activities, offering spaces where people can come together for events or informal meetings. They serve as vital connectors, emphasizing the relationship between the built environment and the natural surroundings. Additionally, a bird-watching tower adds another dimension, providing a raised perspective that invites visitors to reflect on their connection to the local ecosystem.

Sustainability Focus

A closed-loop agricultural system further defines the project. Relying entirely on hydroponic techniques, the design aims to minimize waste. A biogas recovery system takes organic waste and converts it into energy, supporting the facility's heating and electricity needs. This approach not only increases efficiency but also promotes practices that respect the environment and highlight resourcefulness.

Materials Used

Materials selected for the building play a significant role in the overall atmosphere. Interior walls are clad in timber, which adds warmth and a natural feel. The foundation features local lava stone, reflecting the regional context while ensuring structural stability. The exterior incorporates corrugated steel for the walls and roofs, optimizing durability, while rock wool insulation enhances energy performance.

The project stands out for its careful attention to the relationship between agriculture and architecture. This thoughtful design serves everyday needs while reinforcing the value of sustainable practices. A key feature is the greenhouse's orientation, which maximizes sunlight exposure, creating ideal conditions for plant growth. This connection to natural light emphasizes the ongoing relationship between users and their environment, drawing them into an experience that is both educational and engaging.

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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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