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Vertical Gardens and Prefabricated Steel Structures Enhance Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Verena Claudia Nelles Kempf, Ilga Nelles
Vertical Gardens and Prefabricated Steel Structures Enhance Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing prefabricated steel frameworks and vertical gardens, the design seamlessly integrates sustainable features within its compact footprint, providing efficient urban living solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes vertical gardens to improve air quality and enhance aesthetic appeal.
02
Features a prefabricated steel framework for rapid construction and reduced waste.
03
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management.
04
Employs advanced insulation technology for energy efficiency in a compact space.
05
Integrates intelligent waste management systems for ecological responsibility.

### Project Overview
Located in an urban context, the Swallows Nest microhome is designed to address the challenges of urban living by emphasizing sustainable design and compact living solutions. This initiative seeks to integrate essential daily functions within a limited footprint, thereby fostering urban densification and minimizing the encroachment on rural landscapes. By aligning with contemporary ecological standards, the project provides innovative responses to urban housing demands and promotes efficient use of existing infrastructure.

### Spatial Strategy
The design philosophy prioritizes urban regeneration, focusing on the integration of microhomes into existing city landscapes rather than further expanding their boundaries. The architecture is crafted to fit prevalent urban environments by utilizing overlooked spaces such as rooftops and disused railway embankments. The home features a dynamic layout, with carefully tilted elements designed to respond to specific site conditions, enhancing the relationship between built form and natural surroundings. This enables the development of underused areas into vibrant living spaces while also contributing to local biodiversity.

### Materiality and Construction
The material choices reflect a commitment to sustainability and resilience. The structural framework employs durable steel profiles, while high-performance insulation is achieved through Kingspan K10 panels. HemKor padding enhances thermal and acoustic comfort, and photovoltaic panels support energy independence. The incorporation of soil and natural plant elements in vertical gardens contributes to the ecological functionality of the home. The construction process utilizes prefabrication techniques to minimize waste and environmental impact, facilitating efficient deployment in urban settings.

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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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