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Steel Framework Supporting Community Gardens in Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Marta Rodriguez, Michael Lindemann
Steel Framework Supporting Community Gardens in Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

The use of a thin steel framework allows for flexible configurations and the integration of communal gardens, fostering a sustainable living environment in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Thin steel framework enhances structural flexibility for diverse configurations.
02
Communal gardens promote community engagement and ecological diversity.
03
Integrates various functions, including daycare and co-working spaces, for mixed-use living.
04
Emphasizes minimal paved areas to reduce environmental impact.
05
Adapts to site-specific conditions and potential natural disasters in the region.

The architectural design is situated in a context that draws inspiration from the essence of San Francisco. The focus is on densification to create a sustainable living environment, incorporating a circular economy within the residential framework. By reducing paved areas, the design prioritizes a low-impact urban setting that seeks to enhance ecological diversity.

Integration with Nature

The concept centers on establishing a connection between built structures and the natural surroundings. The site is imagined as a cultivation area where buildings coexist with gardens and orchards, promoting ecological diversity. This approach aligns with modern trends in sustainable design, showing the importance of including green spaces in urban areas.

Structural Framework

A thin steel structure, inspired by scaffolding systems, supports the design's flexibility. This lightweight material allows for various configurations and potential expansions, meeting the changing needs of the community. Its use contributes to the resilience of the overall infrastructure, making it adaptable over time.

Community-Centric Design

The layout promotes movement and visual links across the site. Pathways and exterior balconies enhance accessibility and foster social interactions among residents. The ground floor features a large communal garden that serves as a central gathering place. This garden provides not only green space but also increases safety and overall livability for those who reside there.

Diverse Functionality

The design incorporates public spaces alongside productive gardens, creating a network that encourages community involvement in gardening and food production. It includes various complementary programs, such as daycare services, schoolrooms, pet shelters, public kitchens, co-working spaces, and small shops. This range of functions addresses different community needs and enhances the living environment.

The arrangement of spaces creates a welcoming atmosphere, characterized by interconnected pathways and lush greenery, which contribute to an enriched urban experience for all residents.

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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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