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Vertical Gardens and Hydroponic Solutions in Compact Rooftop Living

Authors:
Tasnova Afroz, Snahasis Saha
Vertical Gardens and Hydroponic Solutions in Compact Rooftop Living

Project in-detail

With an emphasis on vertical gardens and hydroponic systems, the design merges sustainable living with compact rooftop units, providing affordable housing solutions for urban professionals.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each unit features modular living spaces that adapt to occupant needs for enhanced functionality.
02
Vertical gardens on terraces allow residents to engage in urban farming for self-sufficiency.
03
Rainwater collection systems are integrated into the inverted roof design for sustainability.
04
Units are designed for natural ventilation, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling.
05
The use of plywood frames ensures a lightweight structure while maintaining durability.

The Weaver's Hut project is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, a city facing significant challenges due to rapid population growth and urbanization. The design aims to provide affordable housing for young professionals who often struggle to find suitable living conditions. By utilizing the unused rooftops of existing apartment buildings, the project creates a new type of micro-community that addresses housing shortages while fostering a sense of belonging among residents.

Design Concept

The design features a linear arrangement of living units, each occupying a compact footprint of 25 square meters. Within this space, essential functions such as a bedroom, dining area, kitchen, and toilet are incorporated into a modular layout that optimizes the use of space. The concept allows for flexibility, with living and workstation areas that can be adjusted according to the needs of the occupants.

Spatial Organization

The structure is divided into three main sections: the Living Area, Service Area, and Private Area. This clear organization facilitates efficient movement throughout the space. Each entry point leads to small terraces, promoting community interaction among residents. These terraces are enhanced by vertical gardens, allowing individuals to grow their own food, which supports sustainable urban living.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design. The inverted roof allows for rainwater collection, making efficient use of resources. Each unit is designed for natural ventilation, with high windows that promote airflow and allow daylight to fill the space. This reduces the need for artificial lighting and cooling systems, creating a comfortable environment for residents.

Material Selection

The project uses a careful selection of materials that align with its goals. Solar panels provide renewable energy, while wooden braces and plywood frames contribute structural support. High-density insulation helps maintain temperature control, and LED lighting enhances energy efficiency. Hydroponic systems for growing plants represent a commitment to integrating greenery into urban living.

The design incorporates movable floor plates in the living areas, allowing residents to change the layout according to their needs. This detail enhances the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting a more dynamic living environment.

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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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