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Living Green Wall and Reclaimed Oak in a Vertical Micro Residence

Author:
Jay Dragon
Living Green Wall and Reclaimed Oak in a Vertical Micro Residence
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A living green wall enhances the facade while reclaimed oak flooring offers warmth in a compact, vertical residence designed for urban living in Chicago.
5 key facts about this project
01
Living green wall supports grey water purification.
02
Flush-glaze walkable skylights maximize natural light.
03
Modular furniture adapts for multifunctional use.
04
Vertical layout enhances available living space.
05
Reclaimed oak flooring adds warmth and sustainability.

The FulFill Home showcases a thoughtful response to urban density, situated in a narrow alleyway in Chicago, IL. It aims to redefine the idea of residential living in limited space while addressing the changing needs of city dwellers. With influences from compact living solutions found in Tokyo and Amsterdam, the design focuses on vertical expansion and modularity to create a functional and adaptable environment.

Architectural Concept

The design center focuses on maximizing vertical space. The layout allows the FulFill Home to fit between two neighboring buildings, using a narrow floor plan that extends upward. This approach enables the building to provide essential comforts found in larger urban homes while promoting efficient use of spatial resources. Multi-functional living areas are integrated to adapt to the various needs of residents, making the space flexible and versatile.

Natural Lighting and Energy Efficiency

Natural light significantly contributes to the atmosphere of the home. Flush-glaze walkable skylights are included to bring daylight into the interior spaces. This design choice minimizes the need for artificial lighting and enhances the livability of the home. Additionally, passive design strategies further support energy efficiency, featuring an integrated sloped roof and operable skylights that optimize solar gain, especially in a temperate climate.

Sustainability Features

A prominent feature of the FulFill Home is the living green wall, which adds visual interest while also serving a functional purpose. It helps purify grey water through a recycled system, originating from rooftop vegetation. Incorporating this feature highlights a commitment to environmental consciousness within the overall design. The use of modular furniture also supports adaptability, such as a desk-to-bed module that responds to the varying needs of daily living.

Material Choices

Material selection, while not elaborated on in detail, includes dual-pane glass windows that enhance energy efficiency and reclaimed oak wood flooring. These materials contribute to the design's functionality and overall aesthetic, aligning with sustainability goals while offering a warm, inviting quality to the living space.

The layout carefully organizes distinct areas such as living/dining, kitchen, laundry, bath, sleep, study/sleep, closet, terrace, green wall, and roof deck. This arrangement addresses the needs of urban living effectively. The living green wall, in particular, stands out as both a functional and aesthetic element, emphasizing a connection between nature and urban life.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

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Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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