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Terraced Living Spaces Enhanced by Vertical Gardens and Natural Ventilation Techniques

Authors:
Roxana Cécile Dziurowicz, Arianna Morgan Mccue
Terraced Living Spaces Enhanced by Vertical Gardens and Natural Ventilation Techniques

Project in-detail

Utilizing multi-level terraced designs and integrated vertical gardens, the development optimally addresses Genoa’s challenging topography while providing essential housing and communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Multi-tiered design maximizes views and accessibility across the hilly landscape.
02
Vertical gardens integrated into terraces enhance biodiversity and air quality.
03
Local materials include charred wood shingles, ensuring context-sensitive aesthetics.
04
Unique funicular transport system provides efficient access between different levels.
05
Community center features spaces for cultural activities, fostering social engagement.

## Overview

Located in Genoa, Italy, the project addresses the unique challenges posed by the city's hilly terrain and dense urban fabric. The aim is to create an inclusive urban environment that emphasizes social cohesion while integrating modern amenities within a context steeped in historical significance. The design prioritizes sustainability and accessibility, seeking to improve connectivity for residents faced with mobility restrictions in steep areas.

## Spatial Strategy

The architectural layout employs a multi-level arrangement of residential units, designed to harmonize with the topography of the site. These staggered, terraced structures allow for unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape while facilitating ease of movement through gently sloped pathways and funicular transportation systems. The separation between public and private spaces ensures individual privacy while fostering communal interaction. Public amenities, such as a cultural center, terraces, and parks, are strategically located to enhance social interactions within the community.

## Materiality and Construction

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in achieving both aesthetic and functional goals. Durable concrete serves as the primary structural element, providing stability in the challenging hillside context. Glass is extensively utilized in facades to maximize natural light and visual openness between indoor and outdoor areas. Steel is incorporated in structural elements like balconies, lending dynamic lines to the design. Wood is used thoughtfully in residential spaces and outdoor areas, enhancing warmth and livability. Additionally, the integration of green roofs and vertical gardens promotes biodiversity and contributes to improved air quality.

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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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