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Wind-Powered Community Spaces with Urban Orchards and Sustainable Greenery

Authors:
Johann wilhelm Timmermann gastélum, Jose daniel Jacobo ahumada, Alejandro Arias
Wind-Powered Community Spaces with Urban Orchards and Sustainable Greenery

Project in-detail

Harnessing wind energy and integrating urban orchards, the building creates multifunctional spaces that foster community interaction and promote sustainable living in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Wind energy is harnessed through a unique structural element that powers both the building and its surroundings.
02
Urban orchards provide opportunities for food cultivation and enhance community engagement.
03
Bicycle paths are integrated to encourage alternative transportation and a healthier lifestyle.
04
Linear parks are designed to promote social interactions while ensuring safety for all users.
05
The multifunctional spaces effectively reduce social segmentation and foster a sense of belonging.

The project is designed to meet the challenges of contemporary urban life through a focus on sustainability, efficiency, and community-oriented spaces. Situated in an urban environment, the building serves as a self-sufficient structure that represents the concept of "the tree," symbolizing both growth and connectedness. This design is not just about aesthetics; it is about creating a functional space that positively influences its surroundings.

ENERGY GENERATION AND SUSTAINABILITY

The design incorporates modern technological solutions and alternative energy sources to achieve self-sufficiency. By utilizing renewable resources, the building reduces its dependence on outside energy, promoting a more sustainable living environment. This approach addresses ecological concerns while supporting a system that is not only efficient but also responsible in its resource use.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL AND COMMUNITY SPACES

The plan includes various multifunctional areas aimed at enhancing community interaction. Features like urban orchards and linear parks serve essential purposes, providing spaces for recreation, social activities, and food cultivation. These spaces improve the quality of life, encouraging residents to engage with one another and build a sense of community within the urban landscape.

CONNECTIVITY AND MOBILITY

Alternative mobility is a significant focus in the design. The site promotes less reliance on cars, encouraging walking and cycling instead. Bicycle paths and pedestrian paths are carefully integrated into the layout, making it easier for residents to adopt healthier lifestyle choices. The inclusion of a pier offers additional transport options, using natural waterways to expand mobility within the community.

SHARE STRUCTURE AND WIND ENERGY

One of the noteworthy features is the "SHARE" structure, which uses wind energy to power both the building and the adjacent areas. This design element supports the idea of sharing resources within the community, fostering a collaborative spirit among residents.

The building’s design includes overhanging sections that provide shade, creating inviting outdoor spaces for gathering. This integration of indoor and outdoor areas encourages interactions among people, reinforcing community bonds.

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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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