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Terraced Wetlands Supporting Vertical Agriculture and Bird Habitats

Authors:
天泽 郝, 梦婧 张, 星月 方, 圣权 刘
Terraced Wetlands Supporting Vertical Agriculture and Bird Habitats

Project in-detail

Utilizing terraced wetlands and a multi-level water management system, the design integrates vertical agriculture and bird habitats to create a sustainable environment focused on ecological rehabilitation and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
A four-level water management system incorporates rainwater collection and filtration for agricultural use.
02
The design includes stereoscopic planting to optimize crop yield in a tiered configuration.
03
Integrated bird habitats throughout the structure promote biodiversity and ecological awareness.
04
Terraced wetlands prevent soil erosion while sustaining local flora and fauna.
05
Community engagement areas facilitate interaction between farmers and visitors, enhancing local agricultural practices.

The design focuses on rainforest ecosystem rehabilitation and is located in Anaprus, Maranion, Brazil, within the Amazon rainforest. This area faces challenges due to deforestation and the increasing demand for agricultural land. The overall concept involves a multi-level structure that combines living spaces, agricultural areas, and research facilities, allowing for efficient use of space while encouraging interactions among these different functions.

Water Management System

At its core is an advanced four-level water supply system that collects and manages rainwater. A water-absorbent membrane captures rainfall, filtering and distributing it for consumption by residents, wildlife, and crops. This effective use of natural resources supports agricultural practices while promoting sustainability in the environment.

Biodiversity and Research Integration

The design includes habitat spaces for birds along with laboratories for research. These elements create an environment that supports biodiversity and enables researchers, as well as the public, to observe tropical plants and innovative agricultural techniques. Providing such spaces enhances ecological awareness and encourages ongoing study of local ecosystems.

Agricultural Innovation

Upper levels of the building utilize stereoscopic planting techniques, where crops are cultivated in layers to maximize yield. This method is complemented by irrigation from collected rainwater, ensuring agricultural practices are sustainable. Additionally, terraced wetlands are included to prevent soil erosion and protect the rainforest’s health.

Community Engagement Spaces

Activity zones facilitate engagement with the community. An area for social interaction offers views of the rainforest, while a central atrium connects various sections of the building and allows bird movement throughout. A planting area encourages farmers to engage with visitors, promoting a connection between agriculture and local communities.

The design reflects a careful arrangement that invites exploration. Spaces work together to highlight the relationship between human activity and the natural environment, emphasizing a balance between functionality and ecological integrity.

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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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