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Vertical Gardens Framed in Metal Mesh Create a Dynamic Community Hub

Authors:
Onea Ioana Alexandra, Nistor Raluca, Hirleata Stefania Daniela, Tirca Radu George
Vertical Gardens Framed in Metal Mesh Create a Dynamic Community Hub

Project in-detail

Suspended walkways and a metal mesh facade envelop a series of interconnected chambers, seamlessly integrating vertical gardens to establish a multifunctional hub for vinyl culture and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical gardens enhance biodiversity while promoting sustainability within the urban landscape.
02
The use of a metal mesh facade allows for dynamic light play throughout the day.
03
Interconnected chambers facilitate seamless flow for social interaction and cultural exchange.
04
Local materials, such as regionally sourced brick, reinforce the building's connection to its context.
05
Hanging walkways create elevated access points that encourage exploration and connectivity.

## Overview

Located in Ciseaux, the Mango Vinyl Hub combines a vibrant community space with a commercial center dedicated to vinyl music culture. The project is designed to enhance social interactions within the existing urban fabric, integrating creativity and environmental consciousness in a manner that respects the historical context of the locale.

### Spatial Organization and Interaction

The design features a series of interconnected "chambers" that facilitate various social activities. A key component is the **Chamber of Stairs**, serving as a central point for vertical movement and fostering social encounters. The introduction of hanging walkways promotes accessibility and encourages interaction among distinct areas, including a vinyl library, coffee shop, and public squares. Lively communal gatherings are supported by a covered **Public Square** paved with local patterned tiles, while **Green Offsets** with vertical gardens contribute to environmental responsibility and aesthetic vitality.

### Material Selection and Aesthetic Considerations

The selection of materials is intentional, marrying functionality with historical homage. **Brick** walls pay tribute to the area's medieval heritage while providing thermal mass. **Steel** is used to support hanging walkways, reflecting a contemporary design ethos, complemented by **glass** elements that facilitate transparency and connectivity with the surroundings. **Wood** provides warmth in flooring and interior finishes. This thoughtful integration of materials ensures that the building functions effectively while maintaining a dialogue with its historical context.

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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

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
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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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