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Saffron Fields and Miscanthus Farms Integrating Nature into Urban Life

Authors:
Mariya Romanosova, Fedor Torgashev
Saffron Fields and Miscanthus Farms Integrating Nature into Urban Life

Project in-detail

Integrating Miscanthus and saffron cultivation, the design transforms the Navigli area into a vibrant urban landscape that emphasizes local production while serving community recreational needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique integration of Miscanthus as a carbon-capturing plant within the urban landscape.
02
Saffron cultivation promotes local agriculture and culinary heritage in an urban setting.
03
Local hydroelectric power generation utilizes the natural flow of Navigli waters.
04
Community-centric spaces include a multifunctional playground inspired by da Vinci's inventions.
05
The design features a stone cutting workshop, connecting craftsmanship with modern utility.

The revitalization project in the Navigli area of Milan focuses on integrating local production systems into the existing urban environment. Situated along historic waterways, the design aims to enhance community interaction and promote sustainable practices. The overall concept emphasizes decentralization, fostering connections between urban spaces and encouraging engagement among residents.

Da Vinci Playground

The design incorporates a new public space that draws inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci’s water machines. This playground turns the city entrance into a lively area for exploration and play, allowing people to connect with the region’s rich cultural heritage. By blending history with modern interaction, the design aims to invite residents and visitors to discover and engage with their surroundings.



Carbon Farm

Positioned beneath the Bosco Verticale, the Carbon Farm makes use of Miscanthus, a plant that efficiently captures carbon dioxide. This integration of greenery into the urban landscape is intended to improve overall air quality. The initiative highlights the importance of local ecological efforts and encourages the community to participate in sustainability practices. It serves as a reminder that urban environments can promote both living and breathing spaces.



Local Hydroelectric Power Plant

The Local Hydroelectric Power Plant harnesses the flowing waters of the Navigli to provide renewable energy. This facility addresses present-day energy needs while promoting awareness of sustainable living. By using natural resources to produce power, it contributes to a reduced carbon footprint and demonstrates how cities can become more energy-conscious.



Saffron Plantation

The Saffron Plantation enriches local agriculture and connects residents with culinary traditions. By introducing saffron cultivation to the urban context, the design promotes biodiversity and offers opportunities for hands-on involvement in the production process. This initiative emphasizes the significance of local food practices and supports the region’s culinary identity.



The Stone Cutting Workshop represents a commitment to craftsmanship and tradition within the project. This space allows for the production of stone products, essential elements in modern buildings. By showcasing local artisanship, it reinforces the connection to the Navigli area and illustrates how historic techniques can coexist with contemporary design.

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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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