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3D Printed Housing Solutions With Concrete Structures and Glass Facades for Urban Living

Authors:
Yu heng Lim, Yun chou Han, Matthias Tan, Jason Tan
3D Printed Housing Solutions With Concrete Structures and Glass Facades for Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing advanced 3D printing technology and a blend of concrete and glass materials, the design creates adaptive living units that address urban housing needs through a focus on communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D printing technology for rapid construction of housing units.
02
Incorporates a unique Bridge Typology to connect over railway tracks.
03
Features extensive communal areas promoting resident interaction.
04
Employs reinforced concrete for durability and sustainability.
05
Transforms existing carpark spaces into functional living units.

The London Affordable Housing project addresses the critical need for affordable living spaces within the urban fabric of London. It presents a solution to the escalating housing crisis characterized by increasing rent prices and insufficient availability of affordable units. This project focuses on maximizing land use while promoting community engagement through innovative architectural design.

Key aspects of the design include three distinct typologies that serve specific purposes within the overall housing concept. The Plaza Typology focuses on open communal spaces, providing areas for social interaction and recreational activities. The Bridge Typology utilizes elevated structures to navigate challenging site conditions, such as railway tracks, without disrupting transportation flows. Lastly, the Carpark Typology reimagines existing underutilized carpark areas, transforming them into functional residential units. These integrated solutions highlight an adaptive reuse approach that enhances the urban landscape.

**Innovative Use of Space and Materials**

This project distinguishes itself through its unique use of 3D printing technology in construction, which streamlines the building process and reduces costs. The application of 3D printing allows for rapid deployment of housing units while maintaining design flexibility. This method supports a scalable model that can respond quickly to housing demands without sacrificing quality.

The selection of materials is also noteworthy. Concrete provides the backbone for structural integrity, while glass facades ensure natural light permeates the living spaces. Wood accentuates the interior, adding warmth to the environment, and steel is incorporated for structural support throughout the design. This material palette not only emphasizes sustainability but also contributes to the architectural aesthetic, merging form with function.

**Community-Centric Design Approach**

The architectural design prioritizes shared living and communal areas, reflecting a modern understanding of urban living that fosters connectivity. By incorporating study rooms, shared kitchens, and recreational spaces within the design, the project promotes interaction among residents. This focus on communal living aligns with contemporary trends in urban housing, where the sense of community is critical for enhancing quality of life.

The adaptability of the design further reinforces its relevance in addressing current housing challenges. Each unit is crafted to accommodate various household types, ranging from individuals to families. This flexibility allows the architecture to meet diverse needs within the community. The arrangement of spaces encourages informal gatherings and organized community events, enriching social fabric in urban settings.

Exploring the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas of the London Affordable Housing project will reveal additional dimensions of its innovative approach. For a deeper understanding, the project presentation can provide valuable insights into how such designs can effectively respond to pressing urban housing needs.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
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MICROHOME
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