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Vertical Gardens and Protective Fabrics in Resilient Community Structures

Authors:
Ana Fernanda Mata Pastor, Abhiroop Bhattacharya
Vertical Gardens and Protective Fabrics in Resilient Community Structures

Project in-detail

Utilizing protective fabrics and cement bonded particle boards, the design integrates vertical gardens to foster urban resilience while providing multifunctional community spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes specialized protective fabric for enhanced safety and resilience.
02
Integrates vertical gardens to promote biodiversity and community engagement.
03
Employs modular cement bonded particle boards for structural versatility.
04
Features a unique panel geometry for aesthetic and functional optimization.
05
Prioritizes multifunctional public spaces to enhance social interaction.

### Overview
Located in a context rich with narratives of resilience and recovery, this architectural design project draws inspiration from the Japanese art of Kintsugi, which highlights the beauty in imperfections. The intent is to develop architectural responses that rebuild and revitalize damaged structures, contributing to the cultural and historical fabric of the area. Through intentional design decisions, the project captures stories of healing and renewal, combining aesthetic expression with functional adaptability.

### Design Philosophy and Spatial Strategy
The Kintsugi philosophy underscores the conceptual framework, encouraging a celebration of damaged spaces through design interventions. The project emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfections, recognizing that flaws tell integral stories of past experiences. The transformation of damaged facades illustrates this approach, allowing structures to reflect vibrant expressions of art and life while serving as symbols of the healing process. Public spaces are thoughtfully integrated to enhance community engagement, including dual-purpose elements such as bus stops that provide safety and facilitate social interactions.

### Material Considerations
Materials play a pivotal role in articulating the project's objectives and ensuring functionality. Choices are driven by sustainability and the capacity to embody the Kintsugi narrative:

- **Plaster** offers a refined finish that fosters elegance.
- **Nuclear bomb protection fabric** provides safety for inhabitants while symbolizing resilience.
- **Cement bonded particle board** ensures durability and structural integrity with a lightweight profile, essential for modular designs.
- **Insulation and support frames** optimize energy efficiency while contributing to the overall design integrity.

The deliberate selection of materials not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the buildings but also reinforces their narrative significance, facilitating a harmonious balance between function and artistic expression.

### Design Components and Community Integration
The project features various design elements, including two distinct facades tailored for different spatial requirements: Facade 1 for shorter areas and Facade 2 for larger expanses. Panel designs, comprising three geometric variations, promote versatility in application throughout both interior and exterior contexts.

Additionally, the design includes reimagined structures such as Building 82, which exemplifies an innovative façade system conducive to communal living while integrating vertical gardens to symbolize growth. Building 86 demonstrates adaptability in its facade treatment, fostering interaction among residents. Collectively, these elements illustrate a commitment to enhancing user experience and fostering community connectivity within the urban environment.

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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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