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Sustainable Living with Vertical Gardens and Recycled Materials in a Multifunctional Urban Setting

Authors:
Stefano Grisoglio, Mario Daudo, Cristina Zilio
Sustainable Living with Vertical Gardens and Recycled Materials in a Multifunctional Urban Setting

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical gardens and recycled materials, the design exemplifies a multifaceted urban living space that seamlessly integrates residential, commercial, and public areas for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical gardens enhance biodiversity and provide natural insulation.
02
The design incorporates recycled composite materials for reduced environmental impact.
03
Flexible unit configurations allow for adaptability to residents' changing needs.
04
Public spaces are strategically placed to foster community interaction and engagement.
05
Green rooftops contribute to urban ecology and improve air quality.
The project "Living the Core" presents a modern architectural approach to urban living. It is designed to integrate residential, commercial, and public spaces within a vertical framework, addressing the challenges of urban density and enhancing the quality of life for its occupants. The architecture fosters a sense of community by creating interconnected spaces that facilitate interaction among residents and visitors.

The main function of the project is to provide versatile living environments that adapt to diverse lifestyles in a metropolitan context. By incorporating areas for living, working, and leisure within a compact footprint, the design optimizes land usage while minimizing environmental impact. This approach reflects a broader trend in urban planning that emphasizes sustainability and community engagement.

Vertical Villages as a Design Concept

A distinctive feature of this architectural design is the concept of "vertical villages". These self-sufficient communities are structured to combine various functions—residential units, office spaces, and communal areas—within a single building complex. This arrangement promotes a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere where daily activities can be conducted without necessitating long commutes. The flexibility of the units allows for different configurations, accommodating single professionals, families, and students.

Sustainability is a crucial component of this project. The integration of green roofs and vertical gardens contributes to biodiversity and enhances urban greenery, providing aesthetic and environmental benefits. The project emphasizes the use of sustainable materials, including glass, steel, and recycled composites, which align with modern construction standards while reducing the carbon footprint.

Spatial Integration and Community Engagement

Public areas are fundamental to the project's design. The layout incorporates parks, plazas, and communal markets—totaling approximately 32,060 square meters of public space—to encourage community interaction and social participation. The incorporation of active recreational zones supports healthy lifestyles, while well-designed pathways facilitate movement through the complex.

The architecture also reflects an understanding of work-life balance in today's society. By offering flexible working environments within residential zones, the design caters to the increasing trend of remote work. This integration encourages collaboration and interaction amongst residents, contributing to a cohesive community.

For those interested in further exploring the nuances of this architectural design, comprehensive architectural plans, sections, and designs are available for review. These resources provide deeper insights into the project’s innovative approaches and design philosophies that define its unique characteristics in contemporary urban architecture.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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