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Vertical Living With Climbing Walls and Recycled Materials in Sustainable Community Design

Authors:
André Clos, Chiara Valci, Erica Caridi, Silvia Botta
Vertical Living With Climbing Walls and Recycled Materials in Sustainable Community Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating climbing walls and vertical gardens, this sustainable community design utilizes recycled materials to create efficient living spaces that foster social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates climbing walls for innovative vertical access.
02
Features vertical gardens to enhance biodiversity and food production.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance.
04
Integrates solar panels seamlessly into the building's design.
05
Offers communal spaces that foster collaboration and social interaction.

The MacroMicro architectural project exemplifies a modern approach to communal living, tailored for urban environments. This design integrates residential, workspace, and communal areas, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. The project addresses the evolving needs of young professionals and community-oriented individuals, providing a multifaceted space that encourages collaboration and resource sharing.

The architecture features a layout that combines individual micro-living units with macro communal spaces. Each living unit is designed for efficiency, offering essential amenities while maximizing space utilization. The arrangement prioritizes social interaction through shared kitchens, dining spaces, and recreational areas, thus fostering a sense of community among residents. The project also incorporates sustainable practices, including the use of renewable energy sources and thoughtful material selections.

Unique Design Approaches

The MacroMicro project distinguishes itself through its innovative design strategies. It explores vertical living with the integration of climbing walls, establishing non-traditional access points to upper spaces. This feature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the architecture but also encourages physical activity among residents.

In addition, the project incorporates organic vertical gardens. This approach promotes biodiversity while providing residents access to fresh produce and contributing to environmental sustainability. These vertical gardens are strategically placed to improve air quality and enhance visual experiences within the community.

The architectural materials selected for the project further enhance its sustainability credentials. Predominantly using wood and recycled materials, the design prioritizes minimal environmental impact while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Extensive use of glass allows for abundant natural light, further reducing energy consumption and promoting a connection with the surrounding environment.

Functional Integration and Community Focus

The MacroMicro project also emphasizes functional integration. The careful spatial arrangement of private and shared amenities promotes seamless transitions between individual and communal living. This promotes a culture of collaboration, enabling residents to share resources and responsibilities. The project design encourages social networks, enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants.

Natural climate-responsive features are another important aspect of the design. Strategies for ventilation and natural heating are incorporated to ensure year-round comfort, reflecting a strong understanding of local climatic conditions.

For a deeper understanding of the MacroMicro project, including detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas, explore the project presentation for further insights. The unique aspects of this architectural endeavor offer valuable perspectives on 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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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