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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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