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Vertical Gardens and Recycled Steel Frame in a Multifunctional Community Space

Author:
Sushrutha Sree
Vertical Gardens and Recycled Steel Frame in a Multifunctional Community Space

Project in-detail

With its integration of vertical gardens and a structural framework of recycled steel, this community space fosters interaction and education while promoting sustainability in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features a cantilevered roof design that creates shaded outdoor spaces.
02
Incorporates an extensive green roof planted with native vegetation.
03
Utilizes recycled steel to enhance structural integrity and sustainability.
04
Includes smart sensors for energy-efficient lighting and climate control.
05
Offers dedicated educational spaces for community workshops on sustainability.

The project under analysis is located in downtown Chicago and is designed as a multifunctional community space. This architectural design integrates urban habitat with sustainable practices, promoting an interactive environment where residents can connect with nature and each other. The dominant theme is biophilic design, focusing on the incorporation of natural elements to enhance the quality of urban life. The facility accommodates diverse functionalities, including social gathering areas, workshops, and public exhibitions, tailored to serve both individual and community needs.

Sustainability is a core principle of this architectural project. It employs materials such as recycled steel, expansive glass panels, concrete, green roofing systems, and sustainably sourced wood. The choice of these materials reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility, ensuring minimal carbon footprint while enhancing durability and aesthetic appeal. Recycled steel provides structural stability, while glass panels allow for natural light to penetrate and reduce the need for artificial lighting. The inclusion of green roofs contributes to biodiversity and stormwater management, aligning with modern urban ecological strategies.

Key to the design's uniqueness is its open-plan layout, facilitating fluid movement and interaction among users. Unlike typical urban buildings, this project features cantilevered structures that create shaded outdoor areas, allowing for usage throughout varying weather conditions. The building’s integration of vertical gardens on external walls further distinguishes it from standard architectural approaches, providing not only visual interest but also functional purposes, such as improving air quality and reducing heat island effect in the urban setting.

The strategic placement of communal spaces draws visitors into the heart of the complex. Outdoor seating is seamlessly integrated into walkways, promoting social engagement. These areas are enhanced by amenities such as educational spaces, where workshops on sustainability are conducted, fostering community interaction and knowledge-sharing. The design balances functionality with aesthetic considerations, ensuring that each element contributes to an overall cohesive architectural vision.

Readers seeking further insights into the project's architectural plans and designs are encouraged to explore detailed presentations that highlight not only its conceptual framework but also its architectural sections and ideas. An in-depth examination of these elements will provide a comprehensive understanding of the project’s innovative approaches and design strategies.

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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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