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Vertical Gardens and Recycled Materials Form a Flexible Urban Living Environment

Authors:
Miodrag Novakovic, Lazar Dimitrijevc
Vertical Gardens and Recycled Materials Form a Flexible Urban Living Environment

Project in-detail

With vertical gardens integrated into its modular design and constructed from recycled materials, this urban development redefines flexible living while fostering a strong sense of community among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates vertical gardens to enhance biodiversity and improve air quality.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for lightweight yet durable construction.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and views.
04
Integrates recycled materials to promote environmental sustainability.
05
Offers adaptable living units tailored to diverse community needs.
The Grape House project is an innovative architectural endeavor designed to address the pressing need for affordable housing within urban environments. It embodies a thoughtful approach to modern living, embracing sustainability while promoting community interaction among residents. By incorporating a concept inspired by the natural structure of grapevines, this architectural design serves as a metaphor for connectivity and adaptability, crucial elements in today’s urban landscape.

The Grape House represents a shift towards a more community-oriented approach to housing. At its core, the project not only fulfills the basic function of providing living spaces but does so in a manner that encourages social cohesion and shared experiences among its occupants. The design integrates communal areas alongside private units, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement that is often lacking in conventional housing developments.

Central to the project is its modular layout, which includes an array of apartment types catering to different demographics. These range from compact units designed for single occupants, such as students, to larger family-friendly apartments. This versatility is essential in urban contexts where the population is diverse and housing needs vary significantly. The ample use of natural materials, particularly wood and recycled components, highlights the project's commitment to sustainability, offering a practical solution that also respects environmental considerations.

One of the standout features of the Grape House is its intelligent use of materials, where wood is used for both exterior cladding and interior finishes. This choice not only brings a warm, inviting atmosphere to the living spaces but also reflects a sustainable ethos by relying on renewable resources. Steel plays a pivotal role in the structural framework of the building, allowing for expansive communal areas that enhance livability without sacrificing safety or durability. Additionally, large glass windows maximize natural light, creating bright, airy interiors that connect inhabitants to their surroundings. The incorporation of greenery through vertical gardens furthers this connection, improving air quality and fostering biodiversity in a densely populated urban setting.

The unique design approaches employed in this project extend beyond just aesthetics; they encompass practical solutions aimed at improving the quality of life for residents. Features such as shared workspaces, gardens, and social hubs encourage interaction and collaboration, essential components of a supportive community. The design emphasizes adaptability, allowing units to be modified over time to accommodate changing personal circumstances, akin to how grapevines grow and adapt to their surroundings.

This architectural design prioritizes environmental responsibility by minimizing energy consumption and reducing the carbon footprint. Efforts such as integrating solar panels and establishing rainwater catchment systems demonstrate a commitment to innovative, sustainable practices that align with contemporary ecological standards. Each element of the Grape House is carefully considered to create an efficient, functional, and harmonious living environment.

In summary, the Grape House project stands as a noteworthy example of how thoughtful architectural design can promote both individual and communal well-being in an urban context. The project’s fusion of modern design principles with sustainable practices offers a viable model for future housing developments. To gain deeper insights into this architectural endeavor, including architectural plans, sections, and design concepts, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project's presentation for comprehensive details and illustrations.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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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