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Vertical Greenhouse Integration With Translucent Photovoltaic Panels in Urban Living

Authors:
Tomasz Gęsiak, Dominik Munia
Vertical Greenhouse Integration With Translucent Photovoltaic Panels in Urban Living

Project in-detail

Integrating vertical greenhouse cultivation with translucent photovoltaic panels, the design redefines urban living by creating a self-sufficient space that merges residential, commercial, and agricultural functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes greenhouse cultivation on main levels for local food production.
02
Incorporates translucent photovoltaic panels for energy generation.
03
Features strategic light holes to maximize natural daylight access.
04
Integrates a deep foundation for ground-sourced heating and cooling solutions.
05
Designed with vertical segments to enhance urban spatial efficiency.

2km HIGH is an innovative urban development that aims to redefine vertical living. Located in a bustling city environment, the structure integrates residential, commercial, and agricultural spaces within a single vertical framework. The design emphasizes a downward-opening configuration that not only extends the limits of height but also enhances the connection between various functions, allowing for a new way of experiencing urban life.

Architectural Concept

The central idea focuses on maximizing the use of vertical space through multiple 5-storey segments. This design allows for a diverse range of urban activities while mimicking the organization of historic cities, such as Paris and Rome. Important features include internal streets and additional facades, which contribute to a more engaging experience for users. This thoughtful arrangement promotes social interaction and accessibility among the different functions.



Sustainability Features

A key element of the design is its approach to food sustainability. By incorporating greenhouse cultivation directly into the main levels, the project addresses the challenges associated with sourcing perishable goods. This on-site production of fruits and vegetables reduces reliance on external supply chains and helps improve the internal climate, ensuring comfortable temperature and humidity levels.



Lighting and Climate Control

The design also tackles the issue of natural light in a downward-opening structure. Two strategically placed light holes allow daylight to penetrate the building effectively. An internal glazed facade is used to reflect and distribute light throughout the lower levels, preventing darkness in these areas. The deep foundation helps support energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions sourced from the ground, making the building more environmentally friendly.



Energy Independence

Energy provision in 2km HIGH relies on translucent photovoltaic panels located on the upper sections. These panels collect solar energy during the day, which can be stored for later use. This setup enables the efficient transport of utility water to higher floors, where electric turbines can discharge it at night. The design emphasizes self-sufficiency, showcasing a commitment to reducing the ecological footprint of the building.



The project features vertical communication shafts, living and working levels, as well as recreational spaces for greenhouse activities. Each aspect of the structure is carefully designed to create an interconnected urban ecosystem. By blending diverse functions, the development enhances overall quality of life, making it a noteworthy addition to urban architecture.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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