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Vertical Gardens and Steel Framework in Affordable Youth Housing

Author:
Konstantinos Karagiannis
Vertical Gardens and Steel Framework in Affordable Youth Housing

Project in-detail

Crafted with a steel framework and enhanced by vertical gardens, this housing initiative addresses affordability and community needs for young adults through a blend of living, working, and training spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using a modular steel framework that allows for future adaptability.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens to enhance sustainability and air quality.
03
Features dedicated workshop spaces for vocational training and skill development.
04
Designed with large glass panels to maximize natural light and visual connectivity.
05
Utilizes a mix of concrete and wood for structural integrity and aesthetic warmth.

### Project Overview

Located in an urban area with an urgent need for affordable housing, the design prioritizes creating a community-oriented system aimed at young individuals aged 18 to 30. The primary intention is to establish not just shelter, but a comprehensive environment that encourages social interaction, creativity, and independence. By integrating living, working, and communal spaces, the project addresses the challenges of housing affordability and strengthens community ties among its residents.

### Spatial Strategy

The building's spatial organization features a deliberate division into interconnected zones. Living units include various apartment types designed to accommodate different resident configurations, from larger communal kitchens to individual studios. Adjacent to the residential areas, dedicated workshop spaces facilitate vocational training, such as carpentry and handmade crafts, further enhancing personal and professional development. Commercial areas provide opportunities for residents to sell their creations, promoting entrepreneurship and fostering a sense of community through shared markets. Additionally, green spaces throughout the site are designed for relaxation and social interaction, encouraging a strong sense of community among inhabitants.

### Material and Construction Approach

The structural integrity of the project relies on a steel grid framework that supports flexibility in spatial arrangements and future modifications. The use of concrete for exterior walls contributes to durability and acoustic comfort, while interior materials such as wood and plasterboard create inviting living environments. Large glass panels integrate the interior with the exterior, maximizing natural light and enhancing transparency. The incorporation of vertical gardens not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also supports sustainability by improving air quality and fostering biodiversity. Furthermore, the prefabricated living units streamline the construction process, reducing waste and project timelines while ensuring efficient assembly on-site.

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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

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
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