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Urban Living with Floating Gardens and Brutal Concrete

Authors:
Ali Zolfaghari, Hadi Najafinejad, Aylar Ordouie, Arezoo Heidari
Urban Living with Floating Gardens and Brutal Concrete

Project in-detail

With brutal concrete construction and unique floating gardens that enhance urban density, the design provides compact lofts that prioritize both private living and community interaction in the heart of London.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating gardens enhance the building's vertical appearance and improve urban biodiversity.
02
The design maintains a width of no more than four meters for optimal urban integration.
03
Brutal concrete construction provides a distinct contrast to traditional brick and wood finishes.
04
Public space on the ground floor fosters community interaction among residents.
05
Cozy lofts are designed for self-sufficiency while maximizing available living space.

Slice is designed to meet the housing needs of urban areas, particularly in London. It provides essential living spaces while respecting existing city structures and infrastructure. The design focuses on functionality and encourages social interaction. By creating a balance between personal living areas and shared public spaces, it offers a practical solution for urban dwellers.

Design Concept

The project efficiently makes use of space by reducing unnecessary areas. Slice features cozy lofts that are self-sufficient. The ground floor incorporates a public space meant for community engagement. This design encourages people to connect with each other, creating a sense of belonging in a busy city.

Spatial Configuration

The layout is strategically planned to fit beneath existing buildings, alongside tube railways, and close to the River Thames. The overall width does not exceed four meters, which helps it integrate into the urban environment without dominating it. By following the contours of the city, Slice meets the need for housing while maintaining a respectful relationship with its surroundings.

Material Palette

The choice of materials includes brutal concrete, metal, and glass, creating a contrast with traditional brickwork and wooden interior finishes. This combination connects the historical elements of the city with modern design principles. By using these materials, the building reflects both the past and the future, creating a cohesive narrative within London.

Vertical Greenery

One of the unique features is the use of floating gardens on alternating levels. These gardens enhance the building's height and contribute to the urban skyline. They offer a touch of nature in a dense city. Additionally, these green spaces improve air quality and support biodiversity, making the project more sustainable. The thoughtful design not only adds visual interest but also encourages a connection between residents 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

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