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Suspended Gardens and Living Walls Enhanced by Steel Framework in Vertical Urban Living

Authors:
Wiktoria Monika Lasek, Kacper Krzysztof Klaus, Magdalena Maria CaŁus
Suspended Gardens and Living Walls Enhanced by Steel Framework in Vertical Urban Living

Project in-detail

Suspended gardens and living walls, supported by a steel framework, create a harmonious living environment that integrates nature into vertical urban dwellings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended pathways connect multiple living levels, enhancing vertical mobility.
02
Living walls integrate local flora, improving air quality and aesthetics.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance while promoting sustainable material use.
04
Double-glazed facades optimize thermal performance and natural light entry.
05
Photovoltaic panels seamlessly blend into the design for energy efficiency.

### Project Overview

The "Urban Jungle" design project examines urban living solutions by integrating modern residential architecture with natural elements. Located within versatile urban contexts, the intent is to promote an active lifestyle through thoughtful spatial organization and environmental sustainability, merging urbanity with natural surroundings.

### Spatial Organization

The vertical arrangement of residential units encourages movement through innovative means, such as flexible rope systems instead of traditional stairs, thereby enhancing user engagement and mobility. The ground floor features communal spaces—including a kitchen and living area—designed for social interaction, complemented by informal seating arrangements. The first floor serves as a hybrid zone, accommodating both functional workspaces and living areas to adapt to residents' needs. The second floor prioritizes restful living, incorporating adjustable partitions to maximize space while preserving privacy. Suspended net-like structures further enrich the spatial experience, offering unique recreational and multipurpose zones.

### Material Utilization

The project's material selection underscores its commitment to sustainability and functionality. Wood, sourced from sustainably managed forests, provides warmth and aesthetic appeal while also serving structural purposes. Double-glazed glass facades enhance insulation and light penetration. Photovoltaic panels and solar collectors are integrated into the design to harness renewable energy and facilitate water heating. The steel framework ensures structural stability, particularly in suspended elements, while wire mesh allows for plant growth, supporting air circulation and light exposure. This careful consideration of materials reinforces both the structure’s durability and its environmental ethos.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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