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Modular Housing Integrating Urban Farming With Durable Steel and Eco-Friendly Materials

Authors:
ERVA TALAY, ECE ATSIZ
Modular Housing Integrating Urban Farming With Durable Steel and Eco-Friendly Materials

Project in-detail

Incorporating modular housing with integrated urban farming, this design utilizes durable steel and eco-friendly materials to create sustainable living spaces that emphasize self-sufficiency within an urban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for flexible configurations tailored to diverse family sizes.
02
Integrated farm boxes promote urban agriculture and self-sufficiency for residents.
03
Rainwater harvesting systems support irrigation for agricultural activities.
04
Durable steel and eco-friendly materials enhance longevity and sustainability.
05
Natural ventilation is maximized through strategic orientation and design.

## Project Overview

"Farm in the Box" is a modular housing initiative located in Hong Kong, an urban area characterized by high population density, humidity, and limited land availability for construction. The project seeks to address urban living challenges through innovative architectural solutions that emphasize sustainability, adaptability, and community engagement within residential environments.

## Modular Housing and Community Spaces

The design centers on modular units, offering flexibility with single modules measuring 15 m² and double modules at 30 m². This adaptability allows for various configurations to meet the diverse needs of residents. Each unit is strategically oriented to maximize natural light and ventilation, enhancing the living experience. Integral to the design is the incorporation of "Farm Boxes," designated areas for urban agriculture that support food security and encourage residents to grow their own produce. The utilization of rainwater harvesting systems further emphasizes sustainability, providing a reliable water source for these farming spaces.

Ground-floor retail areas promote local business developments and act as communal hubs, fostering social interaction and a vibrant community atmosphere. Semi-public spaces within the design facilitate connections among residents, reinforcing a sense of belonging in a densely populated context.

## Materiality and Sustainability Measures

The selection of construction materials aligns with the project's sustainability objectives. Steel is employed for structural elements, ensuring durability and flexibility, while concrete provides necessary stability. Glass façades enhance natural light entry and outdoor connectivity, and wood is utilized in shading elements to improve thermal comfort and aesthetics. Epoxy flooring contributes to long-term durability and maintenance ease, while soil in the farm boxes supports organic farming initiatives.

The overall design showcases dynamic aesthetics through the colorful arrangement of farm boxes, creating a visually distinct identity amidst typical urban structures. The project prioritizes natural ventilation and climate control, contributing to indoor comfort and reducing dependence on artificial cooling systems, solidifying its role as a model for sustainable urban living.

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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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