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Vertical Gardens and Rammed Earth Combine for Sustainable Living Solutions

Authors:
Shah Noor Amir Saeed, Ohireme Boluwatife Uanzekin
Vertical Gardens and Rammed Earth Combine for Sustainable Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical gardens and rammed earth walls, this residential design emphasizes sustainability and energy efficiency while providing adaptable living spaces for modern families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates extensive vertical gardens to enhance biodiversity and improve air quality.
02
Utilizes rammed earth walls for superior thermal mass and energy efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that allows for maximized ceiling height and open spaces.
04
Integrates self-sufficient greenhouses for local food production within the residential layout.
05
Employs renewable materials, including cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles, for sustainable construction.
The project, named "The Greenhouse Paradigm," combines sustainable architecture and functional design to create a living environment that promotes ecological awareness and community engagement. Developed to integrate seamlessly with its surroundings, this architectural endeavor prioritizes natural light, green spaces, and energy efficiency, addressing contemporary housing needs while ensuring environmental responsibility.

The primary function of the project is to provide adaptable living spaces that accommodate diverse family structures. By incorporating features such as modular units and integrated greenhouses, the design encourages self-sufficiency and local food cultivation. This architectural solution reflects a growing trend towards sustainable living practices, where individual and community wellness is intertwined with environmental preservation.

Unique Integration of Green Spaces

A defining characteristic of The Greenhouse Paradigm is its unique integration of green spaces throughout the structure. Extensive use of landscaping and vertical gardens not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also contributes to thermal regulation and biodiversity. The inclusion of green roofs adds an additional layer of insulation and stormwater management, demonstrating a commitment to ecological resilience.

The architectural design recognizes the importance of passive cooling, employing traditional elements such as wind towers, or barjeels, alongside modern water management systems. These features work together to optimize energy use, reaffirming the project’s dedication to sustainability. The external façade incorporates a significant amount of glass, promoting visual connectivity between interior and exterior environments, thereby enhancing the overall inhabitant experience.

Modular and Flexible Living Solutions

The design facilitates adaptability through its innovative use of modular construction techniques. Prefabricated units allow for efficient assembly while offering flexibility in layout to accommodate evolving family dynamics. This approach not only minimizes construction time but also reduces waste, aligning with the project’s sustainable ethos. The open floor plans further enhance spatial fluidity, creating an environment conducive to interactions and lifestyle adaptability.

Incorporating user-scaled greenhouses within the living spaces serves both functional and recreational purposes. These greenhouses allow residents to engage in sustainable gardening practices, fostering a connection to nature while promoting local food production. By designing spaces that prioritize community interaction and individual well-being, The Greenhouse Paradigm seeks to redefine contemporary residential living.

To explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs of The Greenhouse Paradigm, interested readers are encouraged to review the project presentation for deeper insights into its unique characteristics and concepts. Examining these architectural elements will provide a clearer understanding of how this project sets a new benchmark for sustainable living in modern architecture.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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