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Zinc Cladding and Green Roofs Enhance Urban Micro-Living Spaces

Authors:
Batu Dal, Mert Sayat, Ozum Melissa Cetin
Zinc Cladding and Green Roofs Enhance Urban Micro-Living Spaces
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Zinc cladding and green roofs create a compact living solution on urban rooftops, effectively addressing housing shortages while enhancing biodiversity and energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Zinc cladding provides self-renovating properties and durability.
02
Green roofs enhance energy efficiency while supporting urban biodiversity.
03
Modular design allows for easy assembly and transportation.
04
Structures conform to “Passive House Standards” for superior energy performance.
05
Units are designed to fit within existing urban rooftops for optimal land use.

The design situates itself in a busy urban area, aiming to address two pressing issues: the lack of housing and the challenges of environmental sustainability. The concept revolves around modularity, allowing for structures that can be easily assembled, disassembled, and adapted to meet the needs of various urban contexts. The focus is on creating efficient living spaces that integrate green features, ultimately fostering a more sustainable urban habitat.

Material Selection

Zinc cladding serves as a primary material for the project due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. When exposed to moisture and carbon dioxide, the zinc develops a patina that enhances its longevity. The design also includes solar panels combined with green roofs, which support better energy performance. The cooling effect of plants improves the efficiency of solar cells, underlining the building's commitment to ecological integration.

Modular Structure

The modular structure is a key characteristic of the design, allowing for straightforward assembly and adaptation to different settings. Each unit can be transported easily, fitting into standard trailers when disassembled. This feature not only simplifies logistics but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with construction and transportation.

Biodiversity Integration

The project takes a proactive approach to biodiversity by incorporating various plant species that create habitats for urban wildlife. Selected grasses and herbaceous plants contribute to enhanced carbon sequestration, which helps reduce greenhouse gases in the air. This strategy supports local ecosystems and encourages more wildlife to thrive within urban areas, ultimately benefiting the environment.

The design incorporates a structural system that adheres to “Passive House Standards," emphasizing energy efficiency and minimal ecological impact. Each module’s framework allows natural elements and living spaces to coexist. Indoor environments benefit from the presence of greenery, facilitating a closer relationship between residents and nature, and leading to a more balanced urban living.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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