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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

Project in-detail

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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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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