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Vertical Gardens of Upcycled Materials in a Sustainable Family Home

Author:
Esra Eren
Vertical Gardens of Upcycled Materials in a Sustainable Family Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing vertical gardens and upcycled materials, the design showcases a sustainable approach to modern living, creating a cohesive environment for family interaction and individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates vertical gardens to promote biodiversity and food production within the residential environment.
02
Constructed using upcycled materials, minimizing waste and environmental impact.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that enhances structural integrity while providing aesthetic appeal.
04
Utilizes mycelium leather for interior furnishings, supporting eco-friendly practices.
05
Integrates flexible inner spaces that adapt to changing family dynamics over time.

### Project Overview

Bushra House, designed with contemporary architectural principles, is situated in a context that supports innovative and sustainable family living. The design intent focuses on harmonizing individual autonomy with communal interaction, promoting both unity and privacy within a single dwelling. Through deliberate spatial organization and material choices, the residence serves not only as a home but also as a model for future residential architecture that prioritizes familial connections alongside personal freedoms.

### Spatial Organization and User Interaction

The architectural layout of Bushra House facilitates a blend of private and communal spaces, enhancing family cohesion while allowing for personal retreats. A central corridor interconnects various rooms, ensuring that family members remain engaged. Each area opens into shared spaces, which include patios and versatile openings, allowing for diverse interactions and activities—ranging from quiet reflection to social gatherings. Key design elements such as the Majlis and designated play areas are incorporated to encourage informal exchanges, underpinning the house’s commitment to fostering a community-oriented environment.

### Sustainable Material Use

Bushra House employs innovative sustainable materials that align with its ecological philosophy. Furniture and decor are crafted from recycled denim, cotton, and paper, contributing to a circular economy and minimizing environmental impact. The exterior utilizes a mixture of concrete featuring sand, stones, and pigments, offering both visual interest and structural integrity. Additional elements include mycelium leather, which serves as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional leather, and decorative bricks made from upcycled textiles that provide insulation while showcasing functional artistry. These material selections not only enhance the aesthetic quality of the residence but also reflect a comprehensive commitment to sustainability and responsible design practices.

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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
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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