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Vertical Garden Integration Within Timber Framed, off-Grid Living

Authors:
Hanne Wandrey, Ulrike Sievert, Erik Schumann
Vertical Garden Integration Within Timber Framed, off-Grid Living
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The vertical garden and timber framing establish a sustainable living environment that thrives on self-sufficiency and adaptability, designed to serve as a refuge from urban life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical garden enhances food production within a compact living area.
02
Multifunctional furniture optimizes the limited space for diverse activities.
03
Timber framing ensures structural stability while promoting warmth and comfort.
04
Off-grid systems provide energy efficiency through solar power and water filtration.
05
Hydroponic walls integrate aesthetics with sustainability for indoor growing.

Hugo offers a quiet space away from the bustle of urban life, designed for couples and singles. Set in a flat area with European terrain, the home reflects a commitment to sustainable living. The design highlights simplicity while encouraging a connection to nature through well-thought-out features.

Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency

The house is fully off-grid, relying on solar energy and an effective water filtration system. This focus on self-sufficiency minimizes reliance on outside sources and supports a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Inside, furniture is designed with flexibility in mind. The sofa can change into a bed, and the dining table folds away, maximizing the available space in a compact layout.

Integration with Nature

A key feature is the vertical garden that allows residents to grow vegetables within the living space. This design choice fosters a stronger connection with the environment. The garden not only provides fresh produce but also adds a natural aesthetic that softens the overall look of the home.

Materials and Performance

Materials are carefully selected to enhance energy efficiency and comfort. Solar roof tiles capture renewable energy, and timber framing offers both support and warmth. The design includes vertical hydroponic walls, which assist with food cultivation and contribute to visual appeal. Large windows facing north and south bring in ample natural light and improve ventilation, making the indoor areas more inviting.

Architectural Detailing

The layout features an open floor plan with wooden flooring that provides a sense of unity throughout the home. Important systems, like the grey water treatment and solar energy storage, contribute to the off-grid functionality. Each element is purposefully integrated, creating a living space that balances modern conveniences with a tranquil lifestyle. The careful play of light and space enhances the overall experience within the home.

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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