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Vertical Greenery and Mesh Facades in Modular Urban Living

Author:
Eva laura Joa joa
Vertical Greenery and Mesh Facades in Modular Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing a façade of welded mesh and integrated vertical gardens, this modular housing solution in Milan offers a sustainable approach to urban living by promoting ecological benefits while accommodating diverse residential needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a façade constructed from welded mesh panels that enhance airflow and light penetration.
02
Integrates vertical gardens on the exterior to promote urban biodiversity and improve air quality.
03
Features a modular design allowing units to be combined or stacked based on site-specific requirements.
04
Incorporates community hubs on the ground floor to foster local economic activity and social interaction.
05
Employs sustainable materials such as concrete and steel, focusing on durability and environmental efficiency.

## Project Overview

Located in Milan, Italy, the Living Grid project addresses the ongoing housing crisis by proposing an affordable and adaptable structure designed to accommodate various pre-fabricated living units. The aim is to provide flexible housing solutions that cater to the diverse needs of urban residents while enhancing the overall living environment in the city.

## Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The design features three distinct types of living units: a 1-bedroom unit (47 m²), a 2-bedroom unit (50 m²), and a 3-bedroom unit (65 m²). Each unit prioritizes space efficiency while ensuring comfort and usability through an open-plan layout. The building’s dimensions allow for both horizontal and vertical expansion, facilitating adaptability based on changing spatial needs. The strategic placement of windows maximizes natural light, contributing to a healthy indoor atmosphere that promotes well-being and social interaction among residents.

## Material Selection and Environmental Integration

Sustainability is a key focus, with a selection of materials geared toward energy efficiency and ecological functionality. Reinforced concrete provides structural support, while steel beams enable flexible spatial configurations. The façade incorporates welded mesh panels that enhance ventilation and daylight penetration, creating a biophilic environment through the integration of vertical gardens. These features not only improve aesthetic appeal but also support urban biodiversity and enhance thermal performance, addressing environmental considerations in contemporary urban design.

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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

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