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Recycled Concrete and Green Roofs Enhance Community Resilience in Urban Living Spaces

Author:
Thalia Renee Gonzalez Reyes
Recycled Concrete and Green Roofs Enhance Community Resilience in Urban Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled concrete panels and integrating green roofs, the design fosters community engagement while providing adaptable urban living spaces that prioritize sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled concrete panels to minimize environmental impact.
02
Incorporates extensive green roofs for improved biodiversity and insulation.
03
Features adaptable living spaces with modular furniture design.
04
Integrates solar panels into public transport structures for renewable energy.
05
Emphasizes natural ventilation through strategically placed openings.

## Project Overview

The architectural initiative is situated in an urban environment aimed at fostering community integration and sustainability through a series of thoughtfully designed buildings and public spaces. The project prioritizes the adaptive use of space and emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship. Key design elements include the integration of recycled materials, green roofs, and multifunctional living spaces that facilitate a balance between private and communal areas.

### Sustainable Design Strategy

The design philosophy focuses on biophilic principles that create a connection between inhabitants and nature. By incorporating greenery, such as balconies and green roofs, the project enhances aesthetic appeal while improving air quality and enabling urban agriculture. The modular nature of the living spaces ensures flexibility and adaptability, allowing for modifications in response to residents' evolving needs without necessitating significant structural changes.

### Material Selection and Architectural Features

Careful consideration has been given to the materials used throughout the project to minimize environmental impact and maximize functionality. Recycled concrete panels serve as durable building materials while expanded polystyrene provides effective insulation. The use of recycled cork enhances comfort through acoustic and thermal insulation. In addition, translucent polycarbonate in facades diffuses natural light while maintaining privacy, and eco-friendly paint ensures a healthier indoor environment. The inclusion of green roofs not only provides insulation and reduces urban heat but also promotes biodiversity and offers accessible outdoor spaces.

Public spaces are designed to maximize community engagement, with flexible areas such as multi-purpose grandstands and dining zones. The design also features innovative bus stop structures equipped with solar panels and green roofs, merging transportation needs with sustainable practices. Apartments are equipped with adjustable components like foldable tables, optimizing space efficiency in urban settings while maintaining aesthetic integrity and functionality. Sliding closet doors and integrated seating areas further contribute to a streamlined living experience.

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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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