Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Vertical Gardens and OSB Walls in Modular Urban Housing Solutions

Authors:
Kyeonga Lee, Hyeryeong Nam
Vertical Gardens and OSB Walls in Modular Urban Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

Constructed using OSB walls and integrated vertical gardens, the design addresses urban housing needs by providing modular living spaces that enhance community resilience in a post-conflict environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with OSB plywood, combining durability with affordability.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens to improve air quality and aesthetics.
03
Features integrated bomb shelters for enhanced safety in urban environments.
04
Modular design allows for flexible adaptation to varying community needs.
05
Low-e glass windows maximize natural light while maintaining energy efficiency.

## Overview
Located in Ukraine, the project "Nevertheless, We Live" addresses contemporary challenges faced by urban residents, particularly in the context of post-conflict reconstruction. The intent behind this design is to create a modular living system that fosters community, dignity, and resilience for displaced individuals grappling with the aftermath of conflict and natural disasters. The design integrates communal and private living spaces to support social interaction while ensuring individual privacy.

## Modular Living System
The project employs a modular approach to urban housing, characterized by flexible configurations that can quickly adapt to the needs of varying populations. It includes three distinct types of modular units designed to accommodate both communal and private living needs, promoting a sense of community while providing necessary privacy. Additionally, the architectural integrity incorporates integrated features such as bomb shelters, addressing safety concerns without compromising the living experience.

## Material and Structural Strategy
The architectural elements employ a strategic selection of materials to enhance both durability and comfort. Steel structures serve as the primary framework, coupled with OSB plywood for internal partitions, balancing cost and thermal efficiency. The design also includes low-e glass windows to optimize natural lighting and energy efficiency. Structural dynamics are further expressed through innovative connection techniques, using specialized joints to maintain structural stability while ensuring lightweight adaptability. The inclusion of vertical gardens not only contributes to the aesthetic environment but also improves air quality and supports local biodiversity within the urban context.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy