Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

3D Printed Shelters Supporting Community Connectivity in Urban Housing

Authors:
Kimberly Butt, Chris Birkenmaier
3D Printed Shelters Supporting Community Connectivity in Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Constructed using 3D printed shells, the development offers modular housing solutions designed for community integration and flexible living arrangements in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units can be easily combined and reconfigured for diverse living needs.
02
3D printed shells allow for rapid construction and reduced material waste.
03
Located in the Upper Yard, the development enhances community accessibility.
04
Trolley Car Plaza features repurposed streetcars for local food and retail.
05
Interior configurations are customized to reflect cultural contexts.

IGLU is a modular housing development located in San Francisco, designed to meet a variety of living needs while promoting sustainability and community engagement. The project features modular units that can be combined, reconfigured, expanded, and moved as required, giving residents flexibility and a sense of control over their homes.

Architecture Concept

The design of IGLU focuses on modularity, allowing each unit to be tailored to suit individual preferences. This flexibility is supported by an integrated system that makes it easy to install and relocate units. The approach encourages personal ownership while fostering a sense of community among residents.



Materials and Construction

The main construction element is the use of 3D printed shells, which can be manufactured either locally or brought to the site as needed. This method streamlines the building process, reduces waste, and aligns with current sustainability goals in construction. Additionally, customization of interiors allows the design to fit with cultural contexts important to the residents.



Community Integration

IGLU is situated in the Upper Yard area, close to Balboa Park. This location enhances community accessibility and connects residents to public transportation options. The design includes surrounding amenities that respond to the local environment, creating a lively and supportive neighborhood atmosphere.



Trolley Car Plaza

A prominent aspect of the development is the Trolley Car Plaza, which reflects the area's historical connection to the streetcar system. This outdoor space features vintage streetcars repurposed as places for food and retail, bringing local commerce into the community. Such elements contribute to a social space that encourages interaction among residents.

Large windows in the modular units allow for ample natural light, making the living spaces feel open and welcoming. This careful design choice enhances comfort and livability for everyone in the community.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy