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Vertical Gardens Integrated with Timber Cladding for Community Living

Authors:
Jacky Soo li heng, Kee Jia Ke, Chan Zhen Han, Goh Shien Hung, Kee Jia Ke, Chan Zhen Han, Goh Shien Hung
Vertical Gardens Integrated with Timber Cladding for Community Living

Project in-detail

Employing vertical gardens and timber cladding, the design creates an integrated living environment that fosters community connections while prioritizing sustainability and ecological interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates vertical gardens to enhance natural ventilation and biodiversity.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a flexible floor plan designed to adapt to various lifestyles and needs.
04
Integrates multi-level communal decks that foster social interaction among residents.
05
Emphasizes local materials, creating a connection to the traditional Kampung architectural style.

## Overview

The Vertical Green Village is situated in Malaysia, designed to integrate traditional Kampung lifestyles with the urban environment. The project aims to enhance social interactions and reconnect residents with nature, addressing the diminishing community bonds often found in modern urban settings. By prioritizing sustainability and cultural relevance, the design fosters a living space that balances contemporary life with the values of traditional village living.

## Community-Centric Design

At its core, the design emphasizes community engagement and the integration of nature. By incorporating shared spaces for activities such as gardening, cycling, and social gatherings, the project actively promotes communal living to counteract urban isolation. Vertical gardens and open green spaces facilitate a connection with nature, supporting residents' mental and physical well-being. The layout also considers generational needs, particularly for adaptable living spaces that accommodate both social interaction and remote work, relevant in the context of recent global shifts in lifestyle.

## Material Choices and Structural Features

Material selection is crucial to the aesthetic and functional qualities of the Vertical Green Village. Timber wall cladding, reflective of traditional Kampung construction, invokes warmth and sustainability. Pressed timber slabs are utilized for flooring and interiors, enhancing durability and visual comfort. Structural elements include steel and reinforced concrete, ensuring stability in the multi-storey configuration. Expansive glass window elements maximize natural light, establishing a visual connection with the external environment. Complementing this, timber railings echo traditional design while adhering to modern safety standards, culminating in a seamless blend of heritage and contemporary resilience.

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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

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