Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Vertical Garden Residence Featuring Natural Stone and Passive Ventilation Design

Authors:
Ibtissem Kasri, Nidhal Chaibi, Hajer Kasri, Sarra Kasri
Vertical Garden Residence Featuring Natural Stone and Passive Ventilation Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating a green roof and vertical gardens with a focus on natural stone and passive ventilation, this residence exemplifies a contemporary approach to urban living while providing functional family spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a green roof that enhances insulation and biodiversity.
02
Features extensive use of vertical gardens for natural air filtration.
03
Employs passive ventilation through strategically placed openings.
04
Includes social gathering spaces designed with cultural sensitivity in mind.
05
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.

### Overview

Located in an urban setting, the design focuses on creating sustainable housing that addresses pressing issues related to climate change and modern residential needs. The intent is to foster a harmonious relationship between indoor living and the natural environment, emphasizing adaptability for varying family dynamics and future needs.

### Spatial Configuration and Integration

The design employs a "green heart" concept, where a central garden is strategically positioned to connect various living spaces and enhance indoor-outdoor interactions. The spatial layout features a basement, ground, and first floor, each with specific functions. The basement accommodates utility services and a multifunctional space for social gatherings. The ground floor is organized around living areas that extend into outdoor spaces, promoting interaction with nature. The first floor contains private sleeping quarters, ensuring separation from communal areas while providing access to private terraces.

### Materiality and Sustainable Practices

A diverse array of materials underpins the structure, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Concrete provides durability for foundational elements, while glass façades maximize natural light and foster a visual connection with the outdoors. Stone and wood are used for their textural contrast and warmth, enhancing the overall experience. The design incorporates native plant species into on-site landscaping to support local biodiversity. Additionally, features such as green roofs, vertical gardens, and energy-efficient systems for rainwater collection exemplify a commitment to sustainable practices.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy