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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

Project in-detail

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
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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
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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
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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
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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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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

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