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Vertical Farming and Cellulose Insulation in a Sustainable Living Space

Authors:
Muhammad sahil Adnan, May-doan Bi, Marius Collin
Vertical Farming and Cellulose Insulation in a Sustainable Living Space

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical farming and cellulose insulation, the design prioritizes sustainability and self-sufficiency within a compact living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a greenhouse that enables year-round food production.
02
Softwood cladding contributes to the home’s natural aesthetic and thermal performance.
03
Cellulose insulation enhances energy efficiency while promoting environmental sustainability.
04
Solar panels provide renewable energy, reducing reliance on external power sources.
05
The elevated dining area conceals mechanical systems, optimizing interior space utilization.

The Split House is a residential design that responds to the challenges brought by growing population density and climate change. It is situated in a setting that requires sustainable living solutions. The design consists of three main areas: a living space, a greenhouse, and a leisure space. This structure puts focus on adaptability and self-sufficiency, creating a home that connects with its environment and promotes efficient resource use.

Living Space

The living space includes essential functions such as a kitchen, bathroom, and a mezzanine bedroom. This arrangement maximizes the functionality of a smaller footprint while fostering interactions among occupants. The elevated dining area serves as a key focus, concealing mechanical systems to improve efficiency. A vaulted ceiling above the dining zone creates a cozy nook in the mezzanine, while the kitchen maintains visual links to the greenhouse and outdoor areas, enhancing the overall experience.

Greenhouse

The greenhouse acts as a central feature of the home, designed to accommodate both vertical and traditional farming. This space allows residents to grow their own food, connecting everyday life with food production. By relying less on outside sources, the greenhouse decreases living costs and the carbon footprint. Its presence ensures that verdant vegetation is integrated into daily routines, improving the overall environment and aesthetic of the home.

Leisure Space

The leisure space provides a retreat for residents, separated by glass walls that connect the interior to the natural surroundings. This design choice creates a calming atmosphere for personal reflection or social gatherings. Access to an outdoor deck enhances the flow between the inside and outside, merging the two spaces and enriching the experience of using the home. This area prioritizes comfort and maintains an openness that invites in natural light.

Materials

The materials used in the Split House reflect its commitment to sustainability. Solar panels are installed on the roof, producing renewable energy while reducing reliance on conventional power. The metal roof siding provides strength and contributes to a clean look. Cellulose insulation improves energy efficiency, and the timber roof structure showcases a focus on sustainable materials. Softwood cladding adds a natural touch to the exterior, while plywood finishes in the interior create a warm, inviting atmosphere that aligns with the design intent.

The Split House demonstrates practical design, blending functionality with ecological responsibility in a manner that embodies the principles of sustainable living. Its thoughtful details and organization invite a connection to both nature and community, offering a comfortable and resource-efficient lifestyle.

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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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