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 Gardens and Biocomposite Modules for Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Nicola Casini, Stefano Antena
Vertical Gardens and Biocomposite Modules for Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with biocomposite materials and designed to integrate vertical gardens, the urban housing units provide sustainable temporary living solutions while fostering a connection to nature in densely populated areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with biocomposite materials for enhanced sustainability.
02
Modular design allows for quick assembly and reconfiguration.
03
Integrates vertical gardens to promote biophilic living.
04
Accommodates diverse urban populations, including students and professionals.
05
Fulfills temporary housing needs while restoring urban green spaces.

HabitLib' offers a new response to urban housing needs by transforming underused city spaces into practical living areas. The design focuses on addressing the demand for temporary homes suitable for a varied population, including students and professionals. The concept centers on flexibility and sustainability, featuring modular housing units that adapt to the changing requirements of urban residents while retaining connections to natural elements.

Materiality

The project employs biocomposite materials, which include natural flax and hemp fibers combined with resins sourced from agricultural waste. This choice supports environmental sustainability by ensuring that the buildings are lightweight and efficient. Using these materials helps to lower the ecological footprint of the housing units while maintaining structural integrity and long-term durability.

Modular Design

A key feature of HabitLib' is its modular design, which allows units to be quickly assembled and taken apart. This feature provides flexibility to adapt to different living situations, making it easier for residents to find the ideal arrangement. The design fosters a sense of community by encouraging interaction among residents while ensuring they have private spaces of their own.

Integration with Nature

The architectural approach emphasizes the importance of integrating natural elements into urban living. Residents are provided the opportunity to experience green spaces that resemble tree houses or gardens. This connection to nature enhances the living experience, creating a sense of well-being for those who inhabit the space. The design does not only focus on aesthetics but also promotes overall quality of life.

Functional Efficiency

HabitLib' units come fully furnished and equipped to meet basic living needs within a compact layout. Heating and hot water systems connect directly to urban infrastructure, which improves overall efficiency and reduces the need for individual utility setups. The inclusion of vertical gardens adds another dimension to the design, enhancing both its visual appeal and environmental impact. The thoughtful layout encourages harmony between residential living and urban ecology.

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