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Vertical Gardens and Green Façades in a Multi-Functional Urban Space

Authors:
Maria Turcu, Mihai Mitrică, Alina Măldărescu, Alina Lixeanu
Vertical Gardens and Green Façades in a Multi-Functional Urban Space

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical gardens and green façades, the design enhances urban connectivity and sustainability while providing multi-functional spaces for offices and public interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates green façades that enhance building aesthetics and air quality.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens accessible from multiple office levels.
03
Features a varied façade with semi-opaque and transparent panels for effective light control.
04
Includes a rainwater harvesting system for irrigating interior plant life.
05
Promotes urban integration through a passage connecting to Verdi Park.

The project located in northern Bucharest offers a thoughtful response to the needs of a growing urban area. It emphasizes sustainability and a strong connection with the environment. The design consists of several volumes of different heights, allowing for a diverse range of uses while enhancing the surrounding urban landscape. By distributing architectural elements, the building improves spatial flow and creates dynamic interactions among its parts.

Façade Integration

The façade is a key element in the design, showcasing greenhouses that provide both beauty and function. These greenhouses help control the amount of sunlight entering the building while also improving its thermal performance. Integrating natural features not only enhances visual appeal but also encourages occupants to connect with their surroundings in a more meaningful way.

Spatial Configuration

Accessibility is a primary consideration in the layout. Generous vertical circulation spaces make movement between levels easy and promote interaction. Public areas, like exhibition spaces, conference rooms, and dining areas, are strategically placed throughout the building. This arrangement supports a variety of activities, catering to both community and business needs.

Panel Design and Performance

The façade includes panels with varying opacity, designed to respond to different sunlight conditions throughout the day. This thoughtful design allows for effective heat management while also maintaining views. The mix of materials enhances thermal performance and adds character to the building, creating an engaging visual experience.

Structural Framework

A strong framework of beams, columns, and reinforced concrete slabs provides stability and durability. The design incorporates vertical cores and radial beams to improve the overall structural integrity. This creates open spaces that can adapt to various functions. The result is a balanced structure that delivers both strength and visual interest.

Attention to detail is evident in the integration of green spaces, which extend into the interior areas. Vertical gardens act as natural air filters, improving air quality while enhancing the ambiance. This connection between indoor and outdoor spaces fosters a sense of well-being and invites occupants to appreciate the natural environment within an urban setting.

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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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