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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

Project in-detail

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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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
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