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Rooftop Garden and Red Cedar Harmony in a Compact Micro-Home

Author:
Cade Mccue
Rooftop Garden and Red Cedar Harmony in a Compact Micro-Home
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A rooftop garden enhances the functionality of a compact micro-home constructed with red cedar and designed to embrace sustainable living through off-grid technologies.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates floor-to-ceiling glass doors for optimal natural light.
02
The micro-home features a rooftop garden for urban farming opportunities.
03
Red cedar is utilized for its durability and natural decay resistance.
04
The project employs a modular construction method for quick assembly.
05
Off-grid systems include a solar bank and water purification solution.

The architectural design presents an innovative micro-home aimed at balancing economic efficiency with environmental responsibility. Situated in an area that values sustainability, the residence merges naturally with its surroundings. The overall design concept focuses on creating an expansion of living spaces into the outdoors, fostering a close relationship between the inside and outside.

Design Concept

The layout emphasizes the separation between public and private spaces, reducing the need for transitional areas like hallways. Each part of the home is designed to serve a specific function, promoting practicality. Large floor-to-ceiling glass doors invite natural light and create a direct connection to the outdoors. This approach enhances the feeling of space and encourages interaction with the environment.

Material Selection

A focus on sustainable and functional materials is evident throughout the home. Red cedar is a primary material, valued for its durability and natural resistance to decay. This choice connects the design to the landscape while also adding visual warmth. Gypsum board is used for interior finishes, contributing to a modern look. Plywood substrates and softwood framing provide structural support and stability, reinforcing the overall design.

Sustainable Features

The micro-home incorporates off-grid technologies such as a solar bank and a water purification system, emphasizing self-sufficiency. A rooftop garden provides an opportunity for residents to grow plants, blending urban farming with residential life. These features align with current goals of reducing ecological footprints and living in harmony with nature.

Construction Methodology

The method of construction uses modular fabrication, allowing for quick assembly at the site. The home is divided into three modules: a living module, a kitchen module, and a sleeping module. These are fabricated off-site, making the on-site construction process faster and more efficient. This approach not only saves time but also reduces construction waste, supporting environmentally conscious building practices.

The expansive glass doors offer a framed view of the landscape, creating an inviting atmosphere that blends indoor comfort with the natural environment.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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