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Vertical Gardens and Bioclimatic Efficiency in Mobile Solar Homes

Authors:
Ionela-diana Ilie, Eliza-iris Voiculescu, Flaviana-mihaela Iuga
Vertical Gardens and Bioclimatic Efficiency in Mobile Solar Homes

Project in-detail

Equipped with vertical gardens and a bioclimatic blade system, this mobile solar home emphasizes sustainability and community connectivity while providing adaptable living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Equipped with vertical gardens that promote urban sustainability.
02
Incorporates a bioclimatic blade system for adaptive climate control.
03
Designed for both land and water travel, enhancing mobility.
04
Features solar energy solutions for complete energy independence.
05
Emphasizes communal living through a central gathering space.

Nomad Vatra brings together the trends of mobility and communal living. Set in a context that encourages exploration, the design enables occupants to travel freely while enjoying the comfort of a home. Central to this concept is the idea of “VATRA,” a Romanian word meaning “the hearth.” This term reflects the traditional importance of gathering spaces within a home, highlighted throughout the design.

SUSTAINABILITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The residence relies solely on solar energy, which aligns with current efforts to embrace renewable sources. Attention to energy efficiency is evident in its design. Thermal mass elements absorb excess heat during warm days and release it at night, which helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment. This strategy allows for a natural balance without excessive energy consumption.

SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT AND FUNCTIONALITY

A longitudinal layout defines the structure, with a large central area that serves as the hub for activities. Surrounding this open space are multifunctional living zones, designed for flexibility. This arrangement facilitates easy movement between areas and encourages interactions among residents. The design resonates with traditional Romanian architecture, where community and family connections are valued.

INNOVATIVE GARDENING SYSTEMS

The design includes modern aeroponic systems for growing plants vertically. This method allows plants to thrive in a space-efficient manner, with roots suspended in air and supported by nutrient mist. Such systems reduce land requirements and promote sustainable living practices. They create an opportunity for residents to engage actively with their environment while consuming less space.

In blending traditional values with modern living needs, Nomad Vatra highlights how architecture can respond to contemporary lifestyles. A notable detail is the bioclimatic blade system, which adjusts to different weather conditions. This feature not only enhances comfort but also adds a dynamic quality to the building's exterior.

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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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