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Living Walls and Sustainable Wood Create A Biophilic Urban Community

Authors:
Ece Boysal Skardelli, Necati şeker, Ece Ilayda Yoruk, Zeynep Ecem İnci̇kli̇
Living Walls and Sustainable Wood Create A Biophilic Urban Community

Project in-detail

Incorporating living walls and sustainable wood elements, this urban community development emphasizes biodiversity and environmental sensitivity while providing essential residential and communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates living walls to enhance biodiversity within urban settings.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetics.
03
Features an innovative bent A-frame design for optimal spatial efficiency.
04
Includes dedicated areas for community farming and agricultural activities.
05
Employs advanced stormwater management systems to promote sustainability.

### Overview
Located in Beirut, Lebanon, the project "The Crown Shyness" addresses contemporary urban challenges by integrating ecological sustainability with innovative architectural design. The initiative reflects an intention to foster resilience, community, and sustainability within the context of urban living, particularly in response to exigencies intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Emphasizing the coexistence of human activity and natural systems, the design encapsulates the essence of community interaction and ecological balance.

### Spatial Organization and Connectivity
The spatial arrangement features a radial symmetry centered around a communal hub, which enhances accessibility and facilitates circulation. The asymmetrical design offers dynamic visual perspectives while maintaining functional efficiency. Key elements include vertical gardens and horizontal green spaces that support biodiversity and engage residents in urban farming and leisure activities. The infrastructure promotes a robust transportation network, emphasizing pedestrian access that aligns with sustainable urban planning trends while minimizing reliance on vehicles.

### Material Selection and Sustainable Practices
The project employs a selective palette of glass, steel, concrete, and sustainable wood, each carefully chosen for durability and aesthetic coherence, aimed at fostering a connection with the natural environment. The use of glass facades maximizes natural light and enhances energy efficiency, while wood integrates visually and materially with landscaped areas. Architectural features such as cantilevered terraces and green roofs not only enhance usability and aesthetics but also contribute to energy conservation and biodiversity. Innovative systems for stormwater management and organic waste recycling further underscore the project's commitment to sustainability and ecological preservation.

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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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