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Vertical Farming and Reclaimed Wood Enhance Urban Resilience in Community Spaces

Author:
Mohamed Mahmoud Yehia Mohamed Abdelhady Omar
Vertical Farming and Reclaimed Wood Enhance Urban Resilience in Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating reclaimed wood and vertical farming systems, this urban development addresses community needs while promoting environmental sustainability through adaptive use of space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and aesthetic texture.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space while enhancing stability.
04
Integrates vertical farming systems into the community layout for local food production.
05
Engages community stakeholders throughout the design process for tailored solutions.

### Overview
The Symbiotic Patch-Work project focuses on urban synthesis by integrating formal and informal settlements in Cairo. Drawing insights from the city's diverse informal neighborhoods, the design aims to promote urban resilience and enhance social interactions. The project's intent is to create adaptable and community-focused spaces that address the challenges faced by rapidly urbanizing areas, particularly where municipal infrastructure is strained.

### Spatial Strategy
The design employs a dual approach, incorporating both formal and informal elements. Formal components consist of structured building practices that ensure durability and compliance with regulations. In contrast, informal elements reflect the organic growth of communities, capturing their socio-economic realities. This strategy allows for a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces that encourage interaction and community engagement, essential in densely populated regions. The project also includes vertical farming systems that facilitate local food production, adding to urban sustainability efforts.

### Materiality and Adaptability
The material selection for the project emphasizes sustainability and contextual relevance. Key materials include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, reclaimed wood to evoke warmth and ecological harmony, and metal frameworks to support modularity. Additionally, the integration of greenery enhances air quality and promotes well-being. The design also prioritizes adaptability, allowing structures to evolve over time to meet changing community needs. This is achieved through intentional multifunctionality and the inclusion of shared public areas, fostering a sense of belonging and social cohesion among residents.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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