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Vertical Farming Integrated into Steel Framework with Recycled Concrete and Community Engagement

Author:
Yu Ngok Lo
Vertical Farming Integrated into Steel Framework with Recycled Concrete and Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Encompassing vertical farming systems within a steel framework and utilizing recycled concrete, the design transforms freeway on-ramps into vibrant community spaces that promote food production and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Encompasses vertical farming systems to enhance local food production.
02
Employs recycled concrete for sustainable paving and infrastructure.
03
Features a community center designed for educational programs on agriculture.
04
Incorporates rain gardens to manage stormwater and support biodiversity.
05
Utilizes a steel framework for flexibility in spatial configurations and layouts.

## Overview
"Spatial Reclamation: Freeway On-ramp" addresses urban challenges by converting neglected freeway on-ramps into productive urban farms and parks intended for local community use. Located alongside a significant freeway system, this project seeks to repurpose under-utilized spaces to enhance the well-being of surrounding neighborhoods, contributing to an overall improvement in urban living conditions.

## Spatial Strategy
The project features an integrated approach to spatial design, encompassing an urban farm, a community center, and a research center. The urban farm serves dual purposes: it not only produces food but also acts as an educational hub for sustainable practices. The community center is designed to facilitate social interactions with open spaces that accommodate various programs, thereby fostering community engagement. The research center focuses on exploring innovative urban farming techniques, featuring transparent facades to promote visibility and participation. An accompanying urban park provides recreational space, promoting relaxation and socialization while linking the agricultural areas to the urban context.

## Material Selection
Sustainability is at the forefront of material choices for the project. Structural steel is utilized for the framework of elevated structures, ensuring durability with a lightweight profile. Recycled concrete is featured in pathways and landscaping, exemplifying eco-friendly construction practices. Wooden panels, sourced locally, are incorporated within the community center and urban farm to offer aesthetic warmth. Additionally, glass facades in both the community and research centers enhance natural lighting, creating a connection to outdoor environments. The overall design prioritizes materials that align with sustainability goals while fostering a sense of community within urban infrastructures.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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