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Vertical Gardens and Vacuum Glass Enhance Compact Living in Sustainable Microhomes

Authors:
Honorius Augustinus Margaretha De Gucht, Eyerusalem Tibebe Dessie
Vertical Gardens and Vacuum Glass Enhance Compact Living in Sustainable Microhomes

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical gardens and vacuum glass into its design, the microhome units offer sustainable living solutions that prioritize both environmental resilience and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical gardens integrate biodiversity into the living environment, enhancing aesthetics and ecology.
02
Vacuum glass technology maximizes natural light while providing superior insulation.
03
Laminated rubber isolator dampers reduce vibrations from nearby railway activity, ensuring comfort.
04
Flexible modularity allows homes to be combined or adapted based on resident needs.
05
Sustainable materials, including recycled components, reinforce the project's eco-conscious approach.
The "Tiny Trail" microhome project in Deventer, the Netherlands, represents a thoughtful response to the contemporary challenges of housing shortages faced by young professionals and couples. This architectural design integrates compact living with an emphasis on sustainability, modularity, and community engagement. With its strategic placement along the Oude Bathmenweg beside a railway line currently functioning as a solar park, the project is designed to harmonize residential needs with environmental considerations.

Compact Living and Adaptability
The microhome units showcase a modular design that allows flexibility in spatial organization. Each unit can serve as an independent living space or merge with adjacent homes to accommodate varying family sizes and lifestyles. This adaptability is central to the project’s objective of fostering community interactions while respecting individual privacy. Shared pathways and communal areas emphasize social interactions, making the microhomes not just residences but integral parts of a vibrant community atmosphere.

Sustainability and Innovative Material Use
Unique to the "Tiny Trail" project is its commitment to sustainable living, achieved through the careful selection of materials and building systems. The use of Quadcore LEC insulated panels ensures high thermal performance, reducing energy consumption. Vacuum insulated glass provides optimal natural light while maintaining comfort, essential for microhome environments. Rainwater collection systems and greywater filtration contribute to the project’s water management strategies, promoting responsible resource use. Additionally, the incorporation of vertical gardens not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also serves as an ecological asset, fostering local biodiversity.

The project’s structural components include laminated rubber isolator dampers, which effectively control vibrations from nearby railway activities, ensuring resident comfort and stability. By utilizing recycled materials, the project reinforces its sustainable focus, making it a practical model for contemporary housing solutions.

Community Engagement and Green Spaces
The "Tiny Trail" design prioritizes communal living through the provision of shared resources and open green spaces, which facilitate social connections among residents. These areas allow for gardening, recreational activities, and community events, enhancing the overall living experience while promoting environmental stewardship.

The integration of innovative utility solutions further distinguishes this project from standard housing developments. Each microhome is equipped with energy-efficient heating systems and smart technologies that optimize resource usage, catering to modern living standards.

Exploring further, the architectural plans, sections, and designs reveal a comprehensive approach to urban residential development. Interested readers are encouraged to review the presentation of the project for more detailed information about its unique architectural methods and sustainable design principles.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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