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Repurposed Shipping Containers Enhanced With Vertical Gardens For Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Marta Rodriguez, Michael Lindemann
Repurposed Shipping Containers Enhanced With Vertical Gardens For Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Repurposed shipping containers equipped with vertical gardens create flexible living spaces that foster community engagement while addressing urban housing challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes repurposed shipping containers to create modular living units.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens that enhance air quality and aesthetics.
03
Features flexible layouts that adapt to various resident needs.
04
Integrates reclaimed wood for interior finishes, promoting sustainability.
05
Employs solar panels for energy efficiency and reduced utility costs.
The architectural project focuses on the adaptive reuse of shipping containers to create modular housing units, addressing the ongoing challenge of urban housing shortages. The design emphasizes sustainability through the efficient use of materials, promoting a circular economy, and creating spaces that foster community interaction. The structure, situated in an urban environment, is engineered to provide practical living solutions while integrating ecological elements.

Modular Housing Design

The project utilizes repurposed shipping containers, which are inherently durable and economical. Each unit has been designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for various configurations to meet the diverse needs of residents. The layout incorporates individual living spaces arranged around communal areas, encouraging socialization and collaboration among residents. Critical details include integrated garden spaces, shared facilities for cooking and leisure, and green roofs that provide insulation and reduce stormwater runoff. The inclusion of these communal elements reinforces the concept of living in a cohesive community rather than isolated units.

Sustainable and Resilient Features

What distinguishes this housing project from others is its focus on resilience and adaptability. The design incorporates living walls and vertical gardens as part of its ecological landscape strategy. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic value but also contributes to biodiversity and air purification. The modular design allows for expansion or reconfiguration of living spaces based on changing resident needs, ensuring longevity and relevance in an evolving urban context. The use of reclaimed wood for finishes complements the steel structure of the containers while minimizing resource depletion.

Community Integration

The architectural design fosters a strong community identity by prioritizing shared experiences. The ground-level configuration invites residents into open communal spaces, where gardens and seating areas encourage social interaction. This layout integrates nature into daily life, serving both practical and experiential purposes. The overall design illustrates a sustainable approach to urban living, reflecting a balance between individual housing needs and shared community values.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and various architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation.
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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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