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Symmetrical Greenhouses Enhancing Urban Community Spaces

Authors:
Mohammad qasim Iqbal, Adam Game
Symmetrical Greenhouses Enhancing Urban Community Spaces

Project in-detail

The integration of large greenhouses and solid panels creates a unique vertical community space in London that promotes sustainability and urban agriculture within a residential framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integration of large greenhouses promotes urban agriculture within a residential setting.
02
Marketplace on the perimeter block fosters local commerce and community engagement.
03
Public park on the roof enhances urban greenery and accessibility.
04
Symmetrical geometric design creates a balanced aesthetic throughout the structure.
05
Solid panels frame views, encouraging moments of pause and reflection for users.

Kairos Tower is a thoughtful exploration of time and community, focusing on the idea of slowness. Located off Trafalgar Way across from the Isle of Dogs in London, the design contrasts the fast pace of urban living with an emphasis on community and sustainability. The overall layout includes a perimeter block that houses a marketplace and a public park, along with a central tower featuring residential units and greenhouses. These spaces work together to create an environment that encourages social interaction and a connection to nature.

Perimeter Block

The perimeter block serves as a center for community interaction and local commerce. It features a marketplace where vendors can sell their goods directly to residents and visitors. Above this market, a public park resides on the roof, providing an important green space in the urban setting. This park enhances the area and encourages people to gather outdoors. It promotes accessibility and social engagement, strengthening the bonds within the community.

Central Tower

The central tower transitions from lively public spaces at the base to more private areas as one ascends. The lobby and restaurants create an inviting atmosphere that draws people in. As they move upward, residents find cozy living spaces designed for privacy and reflection. This transition from public to private reflects a thoughtful approach to design, offering a range of experiences that cater to various needs.

Agricultural Integration

A unique aspect of Kairos Tower is its incorporation of agriculture into the design. The presence of large greenhouses and smaller growing spaces emphasizes self-sufficiency and local food production. This integration aligns with current sustainability efforts and invites residents to participate in growing their own food. It not only adds to the tower's aesthetic but also creates a hands-on connection between people and their environment.

Spatial Experience

The design makes use of stable geometric shapes, such as squares and circles, which create visual harmony and balance throughout the tower. Solid panels frame views and provide opportunities for occupants to pause and engage with their surroundings. This approach captures the essence of slowness, encouraging a mindful experience. Each design element contributes to a distinct environment that prioritizes the quality of time spent within its walls, ultimately fostering meaningful connections between people and nature.

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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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