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Vertical Gardening and Kingspan Insulation in Compact Urban Living

Authors:
Nur irdina lee chun ling , Elaine Ting Peir Shi, Meng Lai Lo, Muhammad Syazreensyazwan Mohd Shofri
Vertical Gardening and Kingspan Insulation in Compact Urban Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical gardening and Kingspan insulation, this compact urban dwelling optimizes space and energy efficiency while addressing the housing needs of young professionals in Kuala Lumpur.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes vertical gardening to enhance urban agriculture within limited space.
02
Incorporates Kingspan insulation panels to improve energy efficiency significantly.
03
Features a flexible layout adaptable for different resident activities.
04
Employs modular construction for rapid assembly and customization.
05
Integrates renewable energy sources with solar panel installations for sustainability.

# Architectural Analysis Report: Adaptapod - Compact Housing Prototype for Kuala Lumpur

## Overview

Adaptapod addresses the critical housing needs of young professionals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, responding to the pressures of urbanization and housing affordability. The design integrates modern aesthetics with practical functionality, creating a living solution that optimizes utility in limited spaces while promoting sustainable living practices. Located in Bukit Nanas, an historically rich district, the project aims to revitalize underutilized areas, reflecting a dialogue between contemporary and historical architecture.

## Spatial Optimization

The core of Adaptapod’s design is its focus on compact living, promoting adaptable and multifunctional spaces. Residents can configure these spaces to suit various needs, such as work, leisure, or rest, emphasizing functionality in smaller environments. The layout features both fixed and transitional areas, allowing users to customize their living experience according to personal preferences.

As a forward-thinking solution, the design incorporates features that enhance living comfort. Configurations enable the transformation of main areas into dedicated zones for work, dining, or urban farming, maximizing functionality without compromising comfort. Vertical gardening components further promote food self-sufficiency, fostering community engagement and sustainability within the urban context.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

The material choices for Adaptapod play a significant role in its structural integrity and environmental sustainability. Notable materials include:

- **Concrete Flat Roof**: Provides durability and thermal mass.
- **Kingspan Thinsulate™ Insulation Panels**: Enhance thermal efficiency and energy conservation.
- **Kingspan Glacode AW Panel**: Improves insulation and aesthetic appeal.
- **PV Solar Panels**: Support energy independence and lower the carbon footprint.
- **Natural Wood Flooring**: Introduces warmth to compact interiors.

These elements converge to create an energy-efficient model that not only meets housing needs but also aligns with contemporary priorities surrounding environmental stewardship. The design's emphasis on sustainable energy practices positions it as a relevant response to today's architectural challenges, offering a viable template for future urban housing developments.

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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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