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Vertical Gardens and Prefabricated Steel Structures for Urban Living

Author:
Samantha Hill
Vertical Gardens and Prefabricated Steel Structures for Urban Living

Project in-detail

Stacked modular units with extensive glazing and integrated vertical gardens create a dynamic urban living environment designed for mixed-use functionality in Downtown Los Angeles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dual-layered facade integrates extensive glazing with vertical gardens for improved air quality.
02
Prefabricated modular units allow for rapid construction and reduced site disturbance.
03
Flexible living spaces feature adaptable floor plans to accommodate diverse resident needs.
04
Sustainable materials include steel and concrete, emphasizing durability and low maintenance.
05
Interconnected outdoor areas promote community interaction while ensuring privacy for residents.

### Overview
Located in the Westlake neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles, the design aims to redefine urban living through a multi-functional environment that integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Utilizing a prefabricated, modular approach, the project emphasizes efficient space utilization and community engagement, with a strong commitment to sustainability.

### Spatial Organization
The architectural strategy, referred to as "Elevation," incorporates a staggered stacking of prefabricated units, promoting outdoor access and visual connectivity among residents. Each level features integrated circulation systems, including centralized vertical cores and horizontal corridors, enhancing movement and interaction. Open atriums facilitate airflow and light penetration, contributing to a positive social experience, while green spaces such as vertical gardens are incorporated to reinforce sustainability efforts.

### Materiality and Aesthetics
The primary construction materials include steel for the structural framework, prefabricated units for efficiency, extensive glazing for natural light, and concrete for foundational support. This choice of materials reflects a modern industrial aesthetic while also prioritizing environmental considerations. The building's sleek design is characterized by clean lines and a dynamic interplay of light across its facades, with distinctive architectural features such as projected and recessed areas that provide privacy while fostering connectivity. The stacking of units not only addresses spatial demands but also enhances visual interest, contributing to the urban skyline of Los Angeles.

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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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