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Vertical Gardens and Solar Windows in a Sustainable Mixed-Use Development

Authors:
Adrian Paocarima Herrera, Melissa Anabelle Ulcuango Merino, Kevin Daniel Arroyo Males
Vertical Gardens and Solar Windows in a Sustainable Mixed-Use Development

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical gardens and solar windows, this mixed-use development integrates sustainable design principles to create vibrant community spaces that enhance urban living in Quito.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates solar windows for improved energy efficiency.
02
Features vertical gardens that enhance air quality and biodiversity.
03
Utilizes modular construction methods for flexibility in design.
04
Integrates community spaces that foster social interaction.
05
Employs local materials to minimize environmental impact.

## Project Overview
Located in Quito, Ecuador, the design responds to the intricate urban challenges of population density and climate adaptability. The main intent is to create sustainable and community-oriented spaces that encourage vibrant urban life. By integrating mixed-use facilities, the project aims to enhance social interaction and provide diverse experiences within a confined urban footprint.

## Spatial Strategy
The architectural strategy emphasizes the utilization of vertical space to establish a multifunctional environment. The building incorporates residential, commercial, and communal areas, facilitating an interconnected community experience. Protruding terraces and green spaces create a dynamic facade that not only contributes to aesthetic value but also enhances the environmental efficiency of the structure.

## Sustainability and Materiality
A commitment to sustainability is reflected in various design elements. The inclusion of solar windows maximizes daylight and reduces energy reliance, while natural ventilation strategies minimize the need for mechanical cooling. The use of materials such as concrete for structural durability, glass for energy efficiency, steel for lightweight support, and wood for aesthetic warmth demonstrates a balanced approach to both function and form. Additionally, vertical gardens and green roofs are integrated to improve air quality, manage stormwater, and support local biodiversity, contributing to a healthier urban ecosystem.

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

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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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