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Rooftop Gardens and Water Management in Compact Urban Living

Author:
Maria Meza
Rooftop Gardens and Water Management in Compact Urban Living

Project in-detail

Water management systems and rooftop gardens integrate with compact living units to redefine sustainable urban life in a transformed New York City landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooftop gardens provide natural insulation and improve air quality.
02
The design incorporates innovative decontamination zones for enhanced safety.
03
Water collection systems recycle rainwater for irrigation and daily use.
04
Compact living units prioritize efficient use of space for urban residents.
05
Vegetated outdoor areas promote biodiversity within the urban environment.

The VINO Dystopian Vegetated Matrix is set in New York City, envisioned for completion in 2060. It focuses on the redevelopment of abandoned office buildings. These once corporate spaces will be transformed into compact living units surrounded by greenery. The design aims to respond to the changes in society brought about by a super virus, emphasizing sustainable urban living and a connection to the natural environment.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

Space is organized to facilitate essential living requirements, featuring elements such as elevators, kitchenettes, and decontamination zones. These components are particularly important in a world still grappling with health concerns. They enhance convenience for residents while maximizing efficiency within a compact layout. A focus on adaptability ensures that the design meets the challenges of urban life.

Integration with Green Spaces

At the heart of the design lies the integration of green spaces within the urban framework. Abandoned areas are reimagined as active spaces for plants and gardening. This inclusion not only enhances the visual appeal but also strengthens ecological networks. Residents will find areas for social interaction and relaxation among the greenery. This blend of living spaces with nature offers a refreshing contrast to traditional city environments.

Sustainable Systems and Technology

Sustainability is a key feature of the VINO Dystopian Vegetated Matrix. Water collection and filtration systems are incorporated into the design to support both the inhabitants and the surrounding greenery. Additionally, the use of waste water as fertilizer exemplifies a practical approach to resource management. These systems work together to foster a living environment that addresses both ecological concerns and the needs of its residents.

Visual and Cultural Influences

Inspiration for the design comes from a range of science fiction films, such as Metropolis and Blade Runner: 2049. These references highlight themes of technology intertwined with nature, envisioning a future where urban life and the environment coexist harmoniously. The design reflects this vision, aiming to create a space where people can thrive alongside greenery.

The rooftop gardens provide a diverse ecosystem for both plants and residents, offering spaces for relaxation and gardening. This feature reinforces the bond between urban life and nature.

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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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