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Vertical Gardens and Moveable Solar Panels in a Compact Sustainable Living Space

Author:
Eva Sipos
Vertical Gardens and Moveable Solar Panels in a Compact Sustainable Living Space

Project in-detail

Integrating vertical gardens and movable solar panels, the design creates a compact living space that emphasizes sustainability while fostering community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical gardens serve as both insulation and food sources for residents.
02
Moveable solar panels optimize energy generation throughout the day.
03
Modular units allow for adaptable configurations based on site conditions.
04
Integrated rainwater harvesting systems enhance water conservation efforts.
05
Flexible interiors support multifunctional living and communal interaction.

### Project Overview

The Microhome 5x5 Edition provides a contemporary architectural response to urban density and climate challenges. This design prioritizes sustainability and community needs by employing innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact while offering multifunctional living spaces. The project aims to create adaptable housing that can thrive in various contexts, from urban environments to more rural settings.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction

The design features modular units built on a 5x5 meter footprint, allowing for flexible arrangements to suit different land conditions. Each unit is strategically organized to maximize open space and facilitate community engagement, with shared communal areas that encourage interaction among residents. The arrangement of hideable beds and workstation tables enhances the functionality of each unit, promoting efficient use of compact living environments.

### Sustainability and Material Integration

Sustainability is a core principle guiding the Microhome 5x5 Edition. The architectural design incorporates a steel frame system, enabling durability and adaptability. Green facades comprising various plant species are integrated into the building envelope, enhancing insulation, air quality, and biodiversity. The installation of moveable solar panels on rooftops optimizes energy harvesting, while a Kingspan water tank facilitates rainwater collection for reuse in sanitation and irrigation, further emphasizing the commitment to eco-friendly practices. The choice of recyclable materials in construction minimizes waste and supports sustainable development objectives.

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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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