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Luminescent Facades and Modular Greenery in Sustainable Community Living

Authors:
Natalie Lewis, Nk3 Ltd
Luminescent Facades and Modular Greenery in Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Employing luminescent plastic facades and biophilic design, the architecture integrates modular greenery and adaptable spaces to create a sustainable community living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes luminescent plastic for enhanced ambient lighting.
02
Incorporates biophilic design elements to integrate nature with living spaces.
03
Features modular construction allowing for adaptable room configurations.
04
Connects units with transit bridges to promote community interaction.
05
Includes extensive outdoor terraces for optimized green space utilization.
The Virtual Home I-RIS project is an architectural design that emphasizes modern living in a digitally enhanced environment. It aims to create spaces that cater to the evolving needs of residents while promoting flexibility and community interaction. The architecture incorporates elements of smart technology and sustainable design principles that blend seamlessly with natural surroundings.

One of the key functions of the project is to provide adaptable living spaces that support a variety of activities, including work, leisure, and social engagement. Each unit is designed with multifunctional areas, allowing inhabitants to navigate between personal and communal spaces efficiently. The project encourages interaction among residents without compromising individual privacy, reflecting the contemporary lifestyle where homes serve diverse purposes.

Flexible Spatial Configurations

A notable aspect of the Virtual Home I-RIS is its emphasis on flexible spatial configurations. The design incorporates modular components that can be adjusted to meet user needs, allowing for an evolving living environment. This adaptability is facilitated through movable partitions and multifunctional furniture, which enable residents to personalize their spaces dynamically.

The layout promotes connectivity among different units while ensuring a degree of separation. Outdoor terraces and transit bridges connect homes, fostering a sense of community and facilitating movement throughout the living environment. These features are designed to enhance social interaction while maintaining personal space, a unique approach in the field of residential architecture.

Integration of Natural Elements

In addition to its functional design, the Virtual Home I-RIS integrates natural elements throughout its architecture. The project includes extensive greenery and outdoor spaces, enhancing the overall living experience. The inclusion of natural materials such as wood in structural components creates warmth and complements the use of advanced materials like luminescent plastics and translucent textiles. This combination fosters a biophilic design ethos that seeks to connect residents with their environment, promoting well-being.

The architecture also utilizes smart systems to regulate energy consumption and enhance comfort, tailoring the living experience to individual preferences. This focus on sustainable practices aligns with current trends in architecture aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting efficient resource use.

For more information on the Virtual Home I-RIS project, including architectural plans and sections, explore the comprehensive presentation of architectural designs and ideas that illustrate the innovative approaches adopted throughout the project. This exploration will provide deeper insights into its unique characteristics and contemporary relevance in residential architecture.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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