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Smart Farm Integration and Green Roofs Elevate Sustainable Workspace Design

Author:
Yeonwoo Kang
Smart Farm Integration and Green Roofs Elevate Sustainable Workspace Design

Project in-detail

Integrating a smart farm and green roof systems, the workspace redefines urban office environments by combining modularity with sustainable materials, fostering both productivity and well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a smart farm within the office environment to promote employee engagement with nature.
02
Features a green roof system that enhances insulation and biodiversity on-site.
03
Utilizes a modular design for flexible space configurations that can adapt to changing work needs.
04
Incorporates soundproof meeting pods to maintain privacy within an open layout.
05
Employs sustainable materials, including charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetics.
The Balance Office architectural project represents a comprehensive response to the evolving demands of workplace environments in urban settings, specifically in Seoul, South Korea. This design prioritizes the integration of natural elements with modern office functionalities, emphasizing flexibility, employee health, and sustainability. The architecture conveys a commitment to reconciling productivity with well-being, maintaining a balance between work and nature.

The layout consists of modular components, facilitating the creation of various work zones that encourage collaboration and interaction. Key features include a central office area, flexible meeting pods, outdoor gathering spaces, and an integrated smart farm where employees can engage in growing plants. This spatial configuration promotes movement and interaction, enhancing the work experience while addressing the necessity for communal and solitary workspaces.

Sustainable materials play a vital role in the project's design. Glass is prominently utilized for partitions and facades, maximizing natural light and reducing energy consumption. Steel frames provide structural integrity and allow for easy reconfiguration of spaces. Concrete offers thermal mass, while wood enriches the aesthetic quality of the interiors. Incorporating green roof systems further emphasizes environmental sustainability by promoting biodiversity and improving insulation.

Adaptive Modularity: A Unique Approach

One unique characteristic of the Balance Office is its modular design. This feature allows for easy customization and scalability, responding to the specific requirements of varying work styles and team configurations. Each modular unit can be rearranged or expanded as needed, enabling an agile workspace that accommodates both collaborative and focused tasks. This adaptability is essential in a contemporary context where work environments must respond to constant change.

Furthermore, the integration of nature is a distinguishing feature of the project. Smart farms and green terraces emphasize biophilic design principles, enhancing air quality and promoting mental well-being. Interaction zones such as reading lounges and cafes are intentionally designed to facilitate informal collaboration, directly addressing the need for socialization in modern office settings.

Focus on Well-Being and Sustainability

The design outcomes of the Balance Office extend beyond aesthetics and functionality; they reflect a commitment to employee wellness. Spaces are designed with acoustics in mind, incorporating soundproof meeting pods that enable privacy without detracting from the overall open concept. Furthermore, elevated observation decks integrate views of Seoul, creating a physical and psychological connection to the urban landscape.

This project exemplifies a contemporary approach to architecture focused on the integration of flexible design, sustainability, and human-centered principles. By bridging the gap between nature and the built environment, the Balance Office serves as a practical model for future office designs that prioritize both productivity and health.

For a deeper look at the Balance Office project, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that illustrate its unique approach, interested readers are encouraged to explore the complete project presentation.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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