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Vertical Courtyard Design With Recyclable Materials and Integrated Eco-Farms

Author:
Ekaterina Ganeeva
Vertical Courtyard Design With Recyclable Materials and Integrated Eco-Farms

Project in-detail

Incorporating a vertical courtyard and utilizing recyclable materials, the design fosters community engagement while integrating eco-farms for sustainable living in an urban residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical courtyard enhances social interaction among residents.
02
Flexible modular units can be printed in any order on-site.
03
Use of recyclable materials reduces environmental impact.
04
Integrated eco-farms allow residents to grow their own food.
05
Solar panels provide renewable energy for lower utility costs.

The project features a modular design that emphasizes sustainability and community involvement. Located in an urban area that is increasingly focused on ecological living, the design utilizes 3D printing technology to fabricate building elements on-site. This method streamlines the construction process, reduces labor expenses, and minimizes waste, addressing modern challenges in housing.

Modular Design

Central to the design are nine separate 3D modules that can be created in any sequence. This modularity allows for flexibility in customizing housing options to suit the specific needs of future residents. Each unit is designed for efficient space use, highlighting the importance of personalization in creating comfortable living environments.

Community Spaces

A notable aspect of the design is the vertical courtyard that runs along the length of the building. This courtyard serves as an important communal area that encourages social interaction. The inclusion of playgrounds, barbecue areas, and recreational zones contributes to a lively atmosphere, fostering relationships among those who live there.

Sustainability Initiatives

The commitment to sustainability is clear through the use of recyclable materials mixed with concrete. This approach significantly reduces the environmental impact of the construction. Additionally, the design features eco-farms, enabling residents to grow their own vegetables and fruits, promoting self-sufficiency. On the roof, solar panels enhance energy efficiency and help to lower utility costs for residents.

Safety and accessibility are prioritized through the thoughtful organization of pathways and play areas for children. These design elements create secure spaces for families, allowing them to thrive in a supportive community. The vertical courtyard is a defining feature, blending privacy with opportunities for social engagement, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all residents.

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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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