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Aerial Walkways and Wood Coating in Sustainable Housing Development

Authors:
Laura Palazzi, Emma Battistin, Angelica Pedrotti
Aerial Walkways and Wood Coating in Sustainable Housing Development

Project in-detail

Parasitic architecture with aerial walkways and wood coating redefines urban housing by creating interconnected residential spaces that prioritize community engagement and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Parasitic architecture integrates new residential cells within existing structures.
02
Aerial walkways connect separate living spaces, enhancing accessibility.
03
The design incorporates 160 m² of communal residential space for social interaction.
04
Wood coating is utilized for both aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency.
05
Rainwater collection systems are integrated to promote sustainability.

The design located in London merges residential and communal spaces in a thoughtful way. Positioned within an accessible area, it takes advantage of nearby transportation options such as the Underground, Train, Bus, and Highways. The concept focuses on enhancing connectivity and sustainability, catering to the needs of modern urban living while fostering community engagement.

Land Use Strategy

The land use strategy balances various functions, providing a mix that serves the community. Public green spaces make up 3% of the area, while tertiary sector buildings account for 10%. The space is further divided into paved areas (42%), private residences (14%), public buildings (1%), streets (8%), private green areas (18%), buildings (25%), and nature (7%). This distribution allows for effective use of land while ensuring access to essential resources and recreational opportunities.

Permeability and Connectivity

A key focus of the design is permeability, enhancing movement through the site. By incorporating walking and cycling routes, the design connects residential units to nearby parks. This approach encourages residents to engage in active lifestyles and fosters a sense of community, aligning with goals for urban sustainability.

Architectural Features

Parasitic architecture plays an important role in the design, allowing for the addition of new living spaces. These spaces, described as an "Open Street in the Sky," create new residential cells that respect the existing urban fabric. Alongside this, approximately 160 m² of new residential common space promotes social interaction and community ties. The layout features a multi-level design, distributing diverse functions across the floors and ensuring flexibility to meet resident needs.

Material Considerations

Materials used in the design include wood coating, insulating materials, and disused containers, which are effective for enhancing the overall features of the building. These choices not only contribute to visual quality but also focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. The thoughtful integration of these elements supports the overall concept of a living environment that considers social and ecological aspects.

Concrete blocks with aerial walkways throughout the housing estate create a unique architectural identity. This design choice serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, promoting a sense of community and connectivity among residents.

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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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