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Sustainable Living Enhanced by Vertical Gardens and Photovoltaic Panels in a Modular Design

Author:
Yasser Hassan Mahmoud Sorour
Sustainable Living Enhanced by Vertical Gardens and Photovoltaic Panels in a Modular Design

Project in-detail

Constructed with modular elements and enhanced by vertical gardens and photovoltaic panels, the design emphasizes sustainable living while providing a versatile residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with cross-laminated timber panels to enhance structural integrity and sustainability.
02
Features charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to optimize space and natural light.
04
Integrates vertical gardens that improve air quality and enhance biodiversity.
05
Utilizes photovoltaic panels for energy generation, promoting renewable resource use.

## Project Overview

The Green Box House is situated in an urban context, focusing on sustainability and adaptability in residential design. The intent is to create a structure that promotes environmental stewardship while providing a functional living environment. The design integrates green elements throughout its architecture, allowing for an interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces, and establishes itself as a reference for future developments that prioritize ecological concerns.

## Form and Structure

Characterized by a modular design, the Green Box House allows for flexibility in layout and future expansions. The main structure consists of stacked boxes, which creates suitable spaces for vegetation and contributes to an engaging aesthetic. Architectural elements, such as the combination of traditional wooden windows and modern glass panes, form a cohesive visual language. The incorporation of removable fabric canopies provides innovative shading solutions and enhances outdoor living areas, accommodating seasonal changes with ease.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in the environmental performance and aesthetic of the Green Box House. Traditional wooden windows facilitate natural light and ventilation while connecting to cultural architectural language. The integration of photovoltaic panels emphasizes the commitment to renewable energy, marking a significant step toward energy independence. Additional features such as vertical aluminum shading and cross shade glass not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also serve functional purposes like thermal regulation and privacy. Removable fabric canopies enhance the versatility of outdoor spaces, offering both shade and rain protection, which supports a sustainable lifestyle.

### Spatial Organization

The spatial layout is designed for efficiency, accommodating the evolving needs of its inhabitants. The basement includes utility spaces and a garage, optimizing vertical space usage. The ground floor features living areas that promote interaction with outdoor gardens, ensuring ample natural light and airflow. The second floor hosts private areas, such as bedrooms, while maintaining access to garden spaces integrated into the design. The roof offers recreational opportunities, potentially utilized for gardens or solar panels, contributing to improved insulation and fostering biodiversity within an urban setting.

### Key Features

The Green Box House exhibits adaptability through its modular design, which allows for potential expansions aligned with changing household dynamics. The integration of greenery, visible through roof gardens and vertical landscaping, supports both aesthetic and ecological benefits, including enhanced air quality. Additionally, the deliberate inclusion of renewable technologies and efficient water drainage systems showcases a commitment to ecological responsibility and sustainable living practices.

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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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