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Vertical Living Enhanced By Green Façades and Cross-Laminated Timber Units

Authors:
Miodrag Novakovic, Lazar Dimitrijevc
Vertical Living Enhanced By Green Façades and Cross-Laminated Timber Units

Project in-detail

Constructed with cross-laminated timber units and characterized by vertical living spaces enhanced by green façades, the design offers a sustainable solution for urban housing that fosters community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and visual texture.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that maximizes vertical space and natural light.
04
Designed with adaptable modular units to accommodate varying household sizes.
05
Includes vertical gardens integrated into the façade to promote biodiversity and air quality.
The Grape House is a residential architectural project designed to address urban housing needs through a sustainable and adaptable model. By drawing inspiration from the structure of grapevines, the project emphasizes community living while prioritizing ecological harmony. It features a modular design that accommodates various living arrangements, fostering an enhanced sense of connection among residents.

The Grape House consists of several interconnected units, each serving different household sizes. The units are designed to promote social interaction while also providing privacy. With an integrated central communal garden, the building facilitates outdoor activities and gatherings, promoting a sense of community. The essential layout incorporates living spaces around shared green areas, ensuring every resident has access to nature and communal resources.

Innovative Design Approaches in Sustainability

One of the distinctive features of the Grape House is its focus on sustainability through material selection and environmental integration. The project utilizes reinforced concrete for structural stability and cross-laminated timber for its lightweight and energy-efficient properties. The inclusion of green façades not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also contributes to thermal insulation and air quality improvement. This biophilic approach addresses urban heat issues while promoting biodiversity.

The design emphasizes adaptability, with flexible spatial arrangements that can meet changing household needs over time. This modularity allows for the reconfiguration of units while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the building. Such flexibility is crucial in urban environments where demographic shifts are common, making the Grape House a long-term solution to housing challenges.

Community-Centric Design Principles

The Grape House prioritizes community engagement through its architectural layout and features. By integrating social spaces within the design, the project encourages resident interactions and a sense of belonging. The communal garden serves as a focal point for social gatherings, while private units provide the necessary seclusion for personal living.

The arrangement of the apartments, categorized into distinct typologies for individuals, couples, and families, demonstrates a thoughtful approach to diverse living conditions. Attention to natural ventilation and ample daylighting not only enhances the livability of the spaces but also supports the well-being of residents.

The Grape House exemplifies a progressive approach to urban housing, merging modern architectural designs with sustainable practices. For those interested in exploring additional aspects of this project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and detailed architectural ideas, a comprehensive presentation is available for review.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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