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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
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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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Pavilion Atlas 2026: Rethinking Nations Through Architectural Storytelling

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Competition organisers

Buildner launches Pavilion Atlas 2026, a global architecture competition inviting designers to create conceptual pavilions that tell the story of a country. Participants are challenged to express cultural, social, environmental, or political identity through spatial storytelling, focusing on ideas rather than symbols or technical constraints. The competition offers a total prize fund of €20,000, with final registration open until September 16, 2026, and winners to be announced on December 8, 2026. All submissions will become part of a global design archive.

Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

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