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Vegetated Roofs and Glass Facades Enhancing Urban Learning Environments

Author:
Gazmend Uka
Vegetated Roofs and Glass Facades Enhancing Urban Learning Environments

Project in-detail

Incorporating vegetated roofs and expansive glass facades, this educational facility prioritizes sustainability and indoor-outdoor connectivity to create an engaging environment for children's learning and play.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a vegetated roof system for enhanced thermal performance and biodiversity.
02
Incorporates extensive glass facades to maximize natural light and outdoor visibility.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
04
Includes an urban agriculture component with hands-on gardening opportunities for children.
05
Employs passive solar strategies for energy efficiency throughout the year.

**Overview**

Located within an urban environment, the project "In Line with Nature" redefines educational facilities by creating a nursery-kindergarten that harmonizes with the surrounding natural landscape. The design seeks to foster a conducive learning atmosphere for children while emphasizing sustainability and engaging with environmental stewardship as a core principle. By integrating green spaces into the educational framework, the project aims to enhance growth, creativity, and outdoor interaction.

**Spatial Strategy and User Experience**

The architectural layout features an elevated design that provides panoramic views of adjacent greenery, enhancing visual connection to nature. Classrooms are spacious and filled with natural light, promoting an inviting environment for young learners. Flexible furnishings within these spaces encourage collaboration and foster social interaction. Additionally, the inclusion of outdoor play areas throughout the site supports physical activity and teamwork, with various installations designed to stimulate problem-solving and creativity among children.

**Materiality and Sustainability Initiatives**

The selection of materials reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity while supporting green initiatives, while extensive use of glass panels maximizes natural light and minimizes reliance on artificial illumination. Vegetated roofs contribute to urban agriculture and improve thermal efficiency. Sustainable features include passive solar technology for energy efficiency and rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation, further demonstrating a proactive approach to resource management and ecological impact. The integration of native plant landscaping enriches biodiversity and promotes low-maintenance greenery, aligning with the project’s overarching sustainability goals.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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