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Vertical Living Spaces With Green Walls and Sustainable Materials in Urban Environments

Author:
Stavros Velegrinis
Vertical Living Spaces With Green Walls and Sustainable Materials in Urban Environments

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical gardens and renewable materials, this urban dwelling enhances biodiversity while providing essential housing and communal spaces in a densely populated environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates modular units that allow for adaptable living spaces.
02
Features extensive vertical gardens for urban agriculture and biodiversity.
03
Utilizes reinforced concrete for durability and structural integrity.
04
Integrates advanced water management systems for sustainable resource use.
05
Employs a flexible design to accommodate changing community needs.

## Project Overview

Located in Cairo, Egypt, the Probiotic Tower is an architectural endeavor that addresses the urban challenges of environmental degradation, climate change, and social inequality. This project exemplifies a strategic response to the pressing issues faced by the region, aiming to serve as a prototype for future urban developments throughout the Middle East and North Africa.

## Conceptual Framework

The Probiotic Tower embraces the concept of a "Therapeutic Urban System," with a focus on sustainability, community engagement, and resilience. The design emphasizes the integration of natural elements within the built environment, fostering biodiversity and supporting a livable urban ecosystem. By encouraging social interactions and promoting ecological conservation, the tower is designed to adapt to the rapidly changing urban landscape.

### Modular Design and Biodiversity Promotion

A key aspect of the Probiotic Tower is its modular building system, which incorporates urban agriculture principles to optimize space while enhancing the structure's ecological footprint. The use of living green walls and rooftop gardens further underscores the project’s commitment to biodiversity. These biophilic design elements aim to provide habitats for various species, improve air quality, and mitigate the urban heat effect.

### Adaptability and Materiality

The tower's adaptable design allows for modifications based on the evolving needs of the community, ensuring its continued relevance. The selection of materials reflects a focus on sustainability and ecological responsibility. Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity, while a steel framework allows for design flexibility. Extensive use of glass enhances natural light penetration, thereby reducing energy consumption, while integrated greenery contributes to thermal insulation and aesthetics.

### Design Elements

The architectural language of the Probiotic Tower is defined by several distinctive features:

- **Vertical Gardens**: These elements not only facilitate local food production but also enhance biodiversity, ensuring a sustainable resource for residents.
- **Flexible Community Spaces**: Designed to foster social interaction, these areas can be adapted for various community activities, promoting a sense of belonging among residents.
- **Sustainable Energy Solutions**: The incorporation of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, enhances energy efficiency and minimizes reliance on non-renewable resources.
- **Innovative Water Management Systems**: Strategies for rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling are implemented to ensure efficient water use, addressing regional water scarcity concerns.

Through its comprehensive approach to urban living, the Probiotic Tower represents a synthesis of sustainability, community engagement, and innovative design within the architectural landscape of Cairo. The project is characterized by its focus on ecological resilience to climate challenges, including strategies for heatwaves and flooding, and a community-centric approach that encourages resident participation in building maintenance and outdoor cultivation.

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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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