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Vertical Habitat with PV Curtain Wall and Urban Farming Integration

Author:
Junxian Poon
Vertical Habitat with PV Curtain Wall and Urban Farming Integration

Project in-detail

The integration of a PV curtain wall and urban farming within a cylindrical structure creates a vertical habitat that addresses sustainability and community needs in Los Angeles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cylindrical design mimics tree structures to enhance ecological integration.
02
Incorporates a PV curtain wall for on-site energy generation.
03
Features urban farming to promote local food security.
04
Includes diverse green spaces to support local biodiversity.
05
Utilizes a multi-level layout to maximize community interaction.

The Nest is an architectural design located at 2957 S Sepulveda Blvd. in Los Angeles, California. It serves as a live-work-shop-farm concept that aims to tackle urban challenges through high-density living. The design integrates residential, commercial, and communal areas, emphasizing the importance of ecological sustainability and community interaction. Through its innovative approach, it acknowledges the relationship between people and their environment.

Architectural Concept

The concept focuses on the connection between communities and ecosystems. By creating a “sky community,” it advocates for building upward rather than outward, which reduces land use and helps restore natural habitats. This approach allows previously developed low-density areas to return to nature. The design also seeks to make urban resources more accessible to all, promoting a better quality of life in a crowded city.

Spatial Organization

The structure features a cylindrical form that branches from a single base, reminiscent of a tree. This design allows for diverse ecosystems to exist on different levels of the building. The upper sections contain residential units, roof gardens, and office spaces, providing expansive views over Los Angeles. On the lower levels, retail and food court areas are located to enable easy access for residents, fostering a sense of community and interaction among people.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is central to the design. Urban farming initiatives help ensure food security while keeping costs low for residents. The building is equipped to handle organic waste by converting it into fertilizer, which benefits the rooftop and ground gardens. A managed wastewater system recycles water for irrigation, enhancing resource use efficiency. Additionally, the incorporation of a PV curtain wall system allows the building to produce its own electricity, supporting its environmental goals.

Design Details

Public gardens and green spaces are integrated into the design, serving as recreational areas that also support biodiversity. These green areas provide habitats for local and migratory birds, underscoring the commitment to ecological restoration. Overall, the design aligns urban living with nature, fostering an environment that encourages community connection while sustaining the ecosystem. The Nest represents a thoughtful solution to urban living challenges, promoting an integrated lifestyle in harmony with nature.

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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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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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