MICROHOME 10: HOUSING PARASITE

In the violent homogenization of the urban environment, of the generic city and absent urbanism spreading globally, we seek microhome solutions that reactivate sustainable living habitats. A parasite is an animal or plant that lives on or in another animal or plant of a different type and feeds off it. In ancient Greece, the term parasite (in Greek παράσιτος) referred to an honored person at the common table; typically, these were priests or distinguished citizens. The Housing Parasite carries a similar positive ancient connotation, sharing resources and opportunities with its hosting architectural body. The housing Parasite occupies the roofs and facades of a large, inhabited ensemble of stacked apartments, built through pure speculation and lacking quality. The housing Parasite is energetically autonomous and accessible for all, but it utilizes the private space of existing housing and can connect to the energy system if necessary. It is paid for and built with the efforts of all residents. In return, the housing Parasite provides a new natural habitat that fosters biodiversity and communal gathering. The owners are two professionals working in various fields, as well as gardeners of the new shared green roof space. The project strengthens ecological resilience by reinforcing native plant communities and rebalancing disrupted food chains. The parasite capsule is a versatile and efficient micro-home that also functions as a shelter and protected area for plants and animals. Native trees, shrubs, and herbs grow on the roof and beneath the house, forming a biodiverse green roof. Pollinating insects—bees, hoverflies, butterflies, bumblebees, wasps, beetles—live and thrive in this new paradise, partly thanks to insect houses and niches built into the walls of the parasite. Birds and bats also repopulate the lush green roofs.