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Neurotechnology-Enhanced Living With Hydroponic Vertical Gardens and Terracotta Elements

Author:
Giammarco Coviello
Neurotechnology-Enhanced Living With Hydroponic Vertical Gardens and Terracotta Elements

Project in-detail

Integrating neurotechnology and hydroponic vertical gardens with terracotta materials, this residence provides an adaptive living environment focused on enhancing occupant wellness and connectivity to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates neurotechnology to adjust sensory environments for improved well-being.
02
Features an internal hydroponic system that supports sustainable food production.
03
Utilizes metal-organic frameworks for advanced air quality management.
04
Employs terracotta for thermal regulation and aesthetic continuity.
05
Design includes a central courtyard that enhances natural light and connectivity.

### Project Overview
The Adaptive House is situated in the Arabian Gulf, designed to merge advanced technology with sustainable practices. It aims to address fundamental human needs by fostering physical comfort and psychological well-being. By creating an interactive living environment, the design facilitates a connection between occupants and their surroundings, promoting both mental wellness and sustainable living.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The layout of the Adaptive House utilizes a courtyard typology, promoting expansive views and integration with the outdoors. It features distinct zones, including private quarters, social areas, and service zones, which are unified by a central courtyard that encourages communal interaction. The flexible arrangement allows for the modification of spaces to meet the inhabitants' evolving needs. Key design elements comprise interactive rooms that provide varied sensory experiences, enabling residents to engage with custom virtual environments, thereby enhancing their overall living experience.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Sustainability is central to the material choices in the Adaptive House. The use of terracotta for roofing offers thermal mass and insulation, while hydroponic systems in the internal courtyard support sustainable food production and air quality improvement. Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) form part of the internal wall coverings, contributing to humidity control and indoor air management. Additionally, vertical garden structures are integrated for their aesthetic value and functional benefits, contributing to air purification. The building operates as a Near Zero Energy Building, achieving self-sufficiency through efficient energy management and aiming to minimize its carbon footprint.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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