Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Sustainable Greenery and Vertical Farming in a Multifunctional Urban Hub

Authors:
Darya Kaptsilina, Mihail Usyukevich
Sustainable Greenery and Vertical Farming in a Multifunctional Urban Hub

Project in-detail

With integrated vertical farming and extensive greenery, the design creates a self-sufficient urban hub that combines residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, addressing the needs of a growing city.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates vertical farming within residential areas for food sustainability.
02
Includes automatic sun protection systems for energy efficiency.
03
Features interconnecting bridges for seamless tower access.
04
Utilizes geothermal heating for reduced environmental impact.
05
Comprises designated fire compartments for enhanced safety.

City in Tower addresses the challenges of urbanization through a vertical approach. Located in a densely populated area, it combines various functions such as housing, offices, and public spaces. The design focuses on creating a self-sufficient environment where individuals can live, work, and interact without relying heavily on transportation outside the building.

Site and Specifications

The building has a footprint of 122 meters by 74 meters and rises to 340 meters, incorporating a total of 80 floors. This height allows for a high density of residents and diverse activities within a single structure. The design maximizes space while promoting a practical solution to urban living.

Mobility and Safety Features

Mobility within the tower is efficiently planned. Elevators facilitate vertical travel, while travelators connect different levels and areas. This design makes it easier for residents to navigate the building without delays. Safety is emphasized through compartmentalization. Each area has defined entrances and evacuation routes, ensuring quick access to safe zones during emergencies.

Landscaping and Energy Management

Landscaping is integral to the design, with each apartment featuring a terrace that includes plants and trees. These green spaces encourage a connection to nature in an urban setting. Public spaces also offer parks, sports fields, and swimming pools for community interaction. Energy management focuses on sustainability. The building incorporates solar panels, a wind generation system, and geothermal heating to reduce its environmental impact.

Vertical Production Facilities

The tower includes facilities for production, such as food processing and waste management. This design choice supports local economic activities and enhances the building's functionality. The underground parking structure is multi-leveled, accommodating both traditional vehicles and automated systems. This feature maximizes land use and helps streamline operations within the tower.

The façade features automatic sun protection, which helps manage heat and energy consumption. Each element of the design contributes to a practical and efficient living space, addressing the needs of modern urban life while enhancing the overall experience for residents and visitors.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy