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Metallic Cranes and Vertical Greenhouses in Urban Living Solutions

Author:
BOSSENO eddy
Metallic Cranes and Vertical Greenhouses in Urban Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Suspended by metallic cranes, a vertical greenhouse integrates urban agriculture into residential living, creating a self-sufficient community space in response to urbanization challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended living spaces utilize metallic cranes for structural support.
02
Vertical greenhouse designed for urban food production.
03
Community areas include a roof garden and sky club for social engagement.
04
Footbridges connect residential units for enhanced accessibility.
05
Incorporates modern agricultural systems such as drip irrigation and natural ventilation.

The Agro-Housing project addresses the significant social and economic challenges arising from rapid urbanization in China. As people move from rural areas to cities, traditional lifestyles are often lost, leading to unemployment and weakened community ties. The design focuses on integrating homes with urban farming, allowing residents to produce food while living in the city. This approach reflects both modern needs and cultural heritage, creating a structure that is as functional as it is meaningful.

Design Concept

The design combines apartments with a vertical greenhouse, creating a unique living experience that promotes urban agriculture. Rooms are suspended by metallic cranes, which adds an interesting visual element and provides a direct link between living spaces and the greenhouse. The project includes footbridges that connect different parts of the building, enhancing accessibility and encouraging interactions among residents, which helps foster a sense of community.

Vertical Greenhouse

Central to the project is the vertical greenhouse, designed for growing various crops like vegetables and fruits. This innovative feature allows residents to engage in food production without needing extensive outdoor space. Equipped with a drip irrigation system and natural ventilation, the greenhouse supports sustainable practices by enabling residents to produce their own food. This setup encourages self-sufficiency and reduces reliance on outside food sources, making the community more resilient.

Community Engagement

The project includes several communal spaces, such as a roof garden and a sky club, which promote social activities and interactions among residents. These areas serve as gathering spots where people can connect and share experiences. The design emphasizes collaboration and community building, providing spaces that draw residents together and enhance their quality of life.

Agro-Housing illustrates a practical and thoughtful approach to urban living. The thoughtful integration of farming within residential settings enriches the daily lives of its inhabitants. The design prioritizes sustainability and community while respecting cultural heritage, culminating in an environment that meets modern demands.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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