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Vertical Gardens and Modular Living Units in Concrete and Wood Beneath Urban Infrastructure

Author:
Cansu Bulduk
Vertical Gardens and Modular Living Units in Concrete and Wood Beneath Urban Infrastructure

Project in-detail

Modular living units integrated with vertical gardens beneath existing urban infrastructure provide a sustainable solution for cooperative housing in dense environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units are designed for flexibility, allowing adaptation to resident needs over time.
02
Vertical gardens are integrated into the façade, improving air quality and enhancing aesthetics.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
04
Charred wooden shingles offer durability and fire resistance, contributing to sustainable design.
05
Living spaces are strategically positioned to maximize natural light and promote community interaction.

### Project Overview
Located beneath an existing highway in Lüdenscheid, Germany, this architectural proposal addresses the pressing needs of urban density and housing shortages by creating cooperative living spaces. The project seeks to repurpose underutilized areas, promoting sustainable urban development and fostering community engagement.

### Spatial Organization and User Experience
The design features a series of modular dwelling units arranged to optimize natural light and maintain resident privacy. Public and private spaces are thoughtfully organized to enhance accessibility and ensure that communal areas, such as gardens and gathering spots, are easily reachable. The flexibility of the interiors accommodates various living arrangements, adapting to the needs of families and facilitating remote work or multi-generational living. Defined circulation paths, including staircases and ramps, connect different spaces clearly, prioritizing user experience throughout the development.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
A diverse palette of materials is employed to enhance both aesthetic and functional aspects of the project. Concrete serves as the primary structural component due to its durability, while wood finishes provide warmth and create a welcoming environment. Large glass elements maximize natural lighting and create a connection to the surrounding outdoor space. Steel is utilized for its strength and design flexibility, while integrated landscaping features, including planters and greenery, improve air quality and contribute to the well-being of occupants. Vertical gardens and roof terraces further enhance biodiversity, distinguishing this development from conventional urban housing models.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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