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Vertical Living Spaces with Smart Algae Curtain and Plywood Features

Authors:
Muhammad aqil Mohd amran, Muhammad haziq Yahya, Nafisah Ezam
Vertical Living Spaces with Smart Algae Curtain and Plywood Features

Project in-detail

Incorporating a smart algae curtain and compact vertical furniture, the design offers flexible living environments for young professionals navigating the challenges of urban housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular living units allow for easy reconfiguration based on user needs.
02
A smart algae curtain enhances air quality while providing food and aesthetic value.
03
Compact vertical furniture maximizes storage and minimizes floor space usage.
04
Plywood panels contribute to both structural integrity and lightweight design.
05
Integrated features cater specifically to the lifestyle of urban young professionals.

"Micro-Eutrophication" is situated in urban China and responds to the housing challenges faced by young professionals. With increasing economic pressures, the design seeks to offer small, flexible living spaces that can adapt to the needs of its users. This approach reflects a growing desire for balance in life, particularly among those influenced by the "lying flat" movement. The project incorporates modular elements, allowing residents to customize their living arrangements and live more comfortably in a fast-paced environment.

Adaptive Modularity

The project focuses on modularity through a careful layout that allows units to be assembled and detached easily. This design creates a customized living experience, maximizing the use of space in urban settings. Each unit can shift to fulfill various functions, serving as a workspace, dining area, or resting space. This adaptability is crucial for meeting the diverse needs of today’s urban lifestyles.

Efficient Spatial Organization

At the heart of the design is compact vertical furniture that minimizes the use of floor space while maximizing storage. These pieces are designed to reach up to the full height of the room, providing ample storage without occupying much room. This strategy fosters a sense of openness, addressing the cramped conditions often found in urban apartments. As a result, the living environment becomes more inviting and functional.

Sustainable Features

A notable aspect of the design is the smart algae curtain, which integrates environmental benefits directly into the living space. This feature not only enhances the look of the room but also serves important roles in providing food and cleaning the air. By bringing nature into the urban setting, the design aligns with modern efforts that highlight sustainability and improve well-being for residents.

Material Selection

The materials chosen for "Micro-Eutrophication" reflect practical design choices. Plywood panels serve as the basis for the modular furniture, providing a balance of weight and strength. Metal sheet roofing adds durability to the structure, while the steel frame gives it necessary support and flexibility for various configurations.

The overall design blends modular elements with sustainable solutions, creating a living environment that emphasizes comfort and ecological awareness. The inclusion of innovative features supports a lifestyle that values both functionality and well-being.

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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

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