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Vertical Garden Micro Home Crafted from Recycled Aluminum Cans

Author:
Ana Catarina Silva
Vertical Garden Micro Home Crafted from Recycled Aluminum Cans
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Constructed from recycled aluminum cans, this micro home integrates a vertical garden and foldable furniture to create a flexible living environment that addresses the principles of sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled aluminum cans are used for walls and roofs, removing significant waste from the ocean.
02
The design includes a vertical garden module to improve indoor air quality.
03
Foldable furniture is integrated to maximize living space within a compact footprint.
04
Natural ventilation is achieved through perforated metal sections allowing airflow and sunlight.
05
The modular structure allows construction on both ground level and elevated platforms for adaptability.

The design showcases a modular micro home concept focused on sustainability and adaptability in an urban or semi-urban environment. It consists of five prefabricated modules dedicated to different purposes: sleep/work, living room, kitchen, bath, and gardening. This arrangement allows for a maximum total extension of 25 square meters, giving users the opportunity to customize their living space according to individual needs.

Materiality
-
Materials play a key role in the design’s sustainability goals. The walls and roofs utilize recycled aluminum cans, effectively turning waste into a resource. Each module is responsible for removing around 10,000 cans from ocean waste, contributing to a total of 53,500 cans across the entire structure. This decision not only lessens environmental impact but also enhances thermal performance, as aluminum is lightweight and durable.

Functional Design
-
The project emphasizes efficient use of space through multifunctional furniture such as foldable beds, desks, and dining tables. These elements can be concealed within wall structures, freeing up space when not in use. This flexibility creates an open living area that can adapt to various activities, making the most of a compact footprint. Each module integrates seamlessly with others, forming a cohesive living environment.

Ventilation and Light
-
Natural ventilation and light are important aspects of the design. Perforated metal sections at the top of each wall allow for airflow and sunlight, improving indoor air quality. This feature reduces the need for artificial lighting and mechanical systems for heating or cooling. The vaulted roof also maximizes exposure to sunlight for energy efficiency while managing issues like snow accumulation.

Adaptability
-
The modular design allows construction on both ground level and elevated platforms. This flexibility is ideal for flood-prone areas or sites where space is at a premium. Such adaptability ensures the micro home can meet different geographical and social challenges, particularly in addressing urgent housing needs. Thoughtful integration of functional spaces highlights a clear focus on practical solutions for contemporary living.

A notable design element is the vertical garden module, which not only enhances the appearance of the living space but also improves air quality. It absorbs carbon dioxide, bringing nature into the home while contributing to a healthier environment.

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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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