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Living Wall Featuring Vegetated Screen and Sustainable Materials in Urban Community Hub

Authors:
JINA BAEK, TAEBUM KIM, FANGJIAN CHEN, SAYURI HAYAKAWA
Living Wall Featuring Vegetated Screen and Sustainable Materials in Urban Community Hub

Project in-detail

A vegetated screen composed of sustainable materials creates an integrated urban oasis that fosters community engagement and enhances environmental quality through its innovative design.
5 key facts about this project
01
A vegetated screen enhances air quality while providing an aesthetic focal point for the building.
02
The bent A-frame design maximizes structural integrity and creates open interior spaces.
03
Sustainable cross-laminated timber panels reduce carbon footprint and construction waste.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer durability and a unique texture that contrasts with greenery.
05
Integrated rooftop gardens support biodiversity and provide outdoor community spaces.
The "Breathing Wall" architectural project integrates greenery into urban design, emphasizing sustainability and well-being. Located within a park, the project serves as both a functional building and a natural sanctuary. The design focuses on creating a seamless interaction between the built environment and nature, resulting in a space that supports both ecological health and community engagement.

Innovative Green Facade
The defining feature of the project is its vegetated screen, which serves as a prominent design element. This living wall supports a variety of plant species that enhance air quality while also contributing to the overall aesthetic. The integration of the green facade not only improves the building’s energy efficiency but also provides a habitat for local wildlife, promoting biodiversity. The project’s design allows the facade to function as an air purification system while acting as a visual focal point, distinguishing it from traditional architectural approaches.

Functionality and Versatility
The "Breathing Wall" is comprised of various interior spaces designed for multiple functions, including rooms for community services, consultation, and staff operations. The layout encourages vocal and social interaction, fostering community togetherness. Key to its design are large windows that frame views of the landscaped surroundings, allowing natural light to penetrate the interiors. Additional spaces such as rooftop gardens and outdoor patios enhance the user experience, promoting relaxation and connection to nature. Each design choice reflects the project’s mission of creating restorative spaces within an urban context.

Sustainable Materiality
The construction materials selected for the project underscore its dedication to sustainability. The use of a waterproof membrane protects the structural elements while ensuring that irrigation systems remain efficient. Insulation materials are integrated to optimize energy management throughout the building. The lightweight metal frame provides necessary support for the green facade without compromising the visual impact of the living wall. This mindful selection of materials demonstrates a commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of the building while enhancing its durability.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the "Breathing Wall," including architectural plans, sections, and design elements, explore the detailed project presentation. This analysis highlights the innovative integration of nature within architecture, revealing how design can contribute to healthier urban environments.
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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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