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Vertical Integration with Urban Farming in Compact Living Environments

Author:
Camilo Cerro
Vertical Integration with Urban Farming in Compact Living Environments

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical integration and urban farming, the design prioritizes compact living spaces that foster community engagement while addressing the need for self-sufficient housing in densely populated areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates urban farming directly into residential units.
02
Uses cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability.
04
Prioritizes communal spaces to foster neighbor interaction.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design for optimal space utilization.

The design responds to the urgent issue of urban migration, situated in an urban environment where increasing population density poses significant challenges to housing. With more people flocking to cities, there is a pressing need for innovative living solutions. The focus is on creating smaller, multifunctional dwellings that efficiently use space while preserving communal areas. The overall concept aims to reshape traditional housing models to meet the realities of modern urban life.

Concept and Functionality

The approach centers on the idea of compact homes that enhance spatial efficiency and promote sustainable living. By adopting a rightsizing philosophy regarding human habitation, the design encourages the use of technology and careful space planning. This balance aims to improve living conditions while ensuring that homes are well integrated with urban activities, allowing for smooth transitions between daily tasks and leisure.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of residential units plays a crucial role in the design. It encourages vertical integration of living spaces, work areas, and agricultural components. This setup maximizes land use in congested urban centers. Open layouts are designed to bring in natural light and air, creating a lively connection to the outside world that is often absent in typical housing designs.

Community Integration

A strong emphasis is placed on fostering a sense of community. Shared spaces and facilities are thoughtfully arranged to promote social interaction among residents. This is particularly relevant for single-person households and smaller families, who represent an increasing portion of urban demographics. By prioritizing community dynamics, the design aims to cultivate a more connected and supportive living environment.

Sustainability and Resilience

Specific materials are not detailed in the design narrative, but there is a clear commitment to eco-friendliness and sustainability. This reflects an intention to lessen the overall environmental impact of urban living. The proposed integration of energy production and water recycling systems within the homes highlights a vision of self-reliance. Homes are designed to harness natural resources, contributing to a resilient urban ecosystem that can adapt to future challenges.

At the core of the design is an important feature: the incorporation of agricultural components within the living areas. This creates a network of urban farming that supports both self-sufficiency and community interaction. This detail enhances daily life while reinforcing the broader theme of sustainable urban living.

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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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