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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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