Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Vertical Gardens and Solar Panels in a Compact Sustainable Dwelling

Author:
Yanchu stephanie Zhao
Vertical Gardens and Solar Panels in a Compact Sustainable Dwelling

Project in-detail

Incorporating solar panels and vertical gardens, this compact dwelling prioritizes sustainability and flexibility, providing a functional living space for a young professional couple.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates vertical gardens to promote local food growth.
02
Features solar panels for energy self-sufficiency.
03
Constructed with a wood beam framework providing warmth.
04
Utilizes insulated walls for enhanced energy efficiency.
05
Includes sliding windows for improved cross ventilation.

Restangle is designed for a young professional couple and fits within a compact area of 25 square meters. The project responds to the needs of urban living, particularly in light of the changes brought about by the pandemic. The focus is on adaptability and multifunctionality, which allows the space to serve various purposes throughout the day. The concept integrates separate areas for sleeping, working, cooking, and relaxation, addressing the demands of a modern lifestyle.

Functional Layout

The layout comprises four main zones: the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room, along with a private outdoor terrace. Each area is carefully arranged to facilitate daily routines. The arrangement allows the couple to move easily from one space to another, with the bedroom acting as a divider between shared and personal areas. This balance promotes both privacy and accessibility, essential for a harmonious living experience.

Sustainability Focus

Sustainability is a key consideration in the design. Solar roof panels enable the house to generate its own energy, reducing reliance on external sources. The inclusion of vertical gardens allows residents to grow their own vegetables, which supports an eco-friendly lifestyle while enhancing the overall appearance of the home. This effort reflects a response to growing environmental concerns and a desire for self-sufficiency.

Ventilation and Comfort

Ventilation is thoughtfully integrated into the design. Sliding windows allow for natural airflow, contributing to a comfortable indoor environment. This feature enhances air quality and helps regulate temperature, making the space feel open and inviting. The connection between indoor and outdoor areas encourages residents to enjoy fresh air and light, a significant aspect of daily life.

Material Choices

Material selection plays an important role in the overall functionality of the design. The structure is framed with wood beams, providing both strength and a warm atmosphere. Insulated walls contribute to energy efficiency, keeping indoor temperatures pleasant regardless of outside conditions. Waterproof membranes protect against moisture, ensuring the longevity and durability of the building.

The design culminates in a private terrace that extends the living space outdoors, offering areas for relaxation and enjoyment while maintaining a strong bond with nature.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy