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Wildlife Habitat and Green Roof Adaptation in Lakeside Living Units

Author:
Joe Ingea
Wildlife Habitat and Green Roof Adaptation in Lakeside Living Units

Project in-detail

Incorporating a green roof and strategically designed gaps for wildlife, the lakeside living units offer a sustainable communal environment that emphasizes ecological balance alongside functional residential spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Lakeside units feature a green roof designed to support local biodiversity.
02
Photovoltaic panels are integrated to minimize visual impact while enhancing energy efficiency.
03
Gaps between structures provide habitats for local wildlife such as bats and birds.
04
Living spaces are oriented to maximize natural light and lake views.
05
The layout encourages communal living while ensuring individual privacy for residents.

The design is located on a scenic lakeshore, emphasizing the connection between the buildings and their natural surroundings. It includes two residential units designed for communal living, along with shared spaces like a workshop and a greenhouse. The overall concept aims to create harmony with nature while ensuring functionality and a visually appealing environment.

Spatial Configuration

Two residential units form the core of the design, designed with efficient use of space in mind. Unit A includes a ground floor and first floor, each measuring 78 square meters. Unit B features a smaller ground floor at 63 square meters, alongside a first floor that is also 78 square meters. The layout is completed with a 45-square-meter workshop and a 35-square-meter service building that includes a water tank. This brings the total built area to 377 square meters, reflecting a compact yet practical design.

Design Principles

Maximizing natural light and scenic views is a key focus of the layout. The orientation of the buildings is carefully planned, allowing sunlight to flood the interiors while enhancing the views of the lake. Attention is also given to ensuring privacy for the residents. Individual living spaces are thoughtfully designed to encourage a sense of community without sacrificing personal comfort.

Sustainability Focus

Sustainability plays a significant role in the design. Photovoltaic panels are integrated into the structures in a manner that avoids disrupting the visual landscape. The green roof, which consists of substrate and plants, offers thermal and sound insulation. This approach not only contributes to energy efficiency but also reinforces the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Biodiversity Considerations

Intentional gaps between the buildings allow local wildlife, such as bats and birds, to thrive. This thoughtful element of design shows a dedication to ecological balance. By accommodating both people and wildlife, the design highlights an understanding of how architecture can coexist with nature.

The green roof forms a natural extension of the landscape, facilitating a visual connection between the built environment and the surrounding areas. It enhances the ecological presence of the design while serving practical functions, ensuring the development remains connected to its setting.

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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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