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Spiraled Green Facades with Vertical Gardens in Modular Concrete Living Spaces

Author:
Fernando Donis Hernandez
Spiraled Green Facades with Vertical Gardens in Modular Concrete Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Spiraled concrete modules incorporate lush vertical gardens and sustainable facades, creating a unique urban living space designed for communal interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Spiral-shaped modules optimize airflow and sunlight exposure.
02
Vertical gardens integrate biodiversity into the urban environment.
03
Sustainable materials are emphasized, using concrete and greenery.
04
Community spaces encourage social interaction among residents.
05
Flexible layouts accommodate diverse living arrangements.

### Overview
The "Life Forms" project is situated in Kharkiv, Ukraine, addressing current housing demands through an innovative modular design. This architectural approach prioritizes sustainability, community interaction, and the incorporation of natural elements within an urban context. The design aims to respond effectively to the sociocultural and environmental challenges faced by urban residents, particularly in the light of recent adversities in the region.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Interaction
The project's spiral modular system facilitates flexible and diverse living arrangements while promoting a connection to nature. Balconies spiral outward, integrating vertical green spaces that allow for personal and communal gardening, thereby fostering biodiversity. The layout ensures ample public areas, enhancing community interaction and social engagement. These spaces are designed as green retreats, where residents can gather, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing the isolation often found in high-density urban environments.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selected materials, including concrete, glass, green facade systems, and steel, are chosen for their durability, aesthetic value, and ecological impact. The use of living plants on facades improves air quality and visual appeal while creating a more inviting atmosphere for residents. Sustainability is further emphasized through biophilic design elements, such as vertical gardens and water-efficient systems, which promote environmental stewardship. This combination supports an adaptive living solution that meets diverse resident needs while contributing positively to the urban ecosystem.

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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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