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Affordable Housing Solution With Integrated Community Spaces

Author:
James Apple
Affordable Housing Solution With Integrated Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Situated in East Melbourne, the development combines a Tower, Mid-Rise, and Low-Rise structures to provide a diverse array of affordable housing options, seamlessly integrating communal spaces like a library and green areas to foster community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Tower, Mid-Rise, and Low-Rise structures designed for varying demographic needs.
02
Community rooftop enhances social interaction among residents.
03
Modern library serves as a central hub for communal activities.
04
Integration of public green spaces encourages environmental sustainability.
05
Affordable housing options significantly lower average unit costs.

The design in East Melbourne responds to the growing need for affordable housing through three distinct residential forms: the Tower, Mid-Rise, and Low-Rise. Each element addresses specific demographic needs while emphasizing community and accessibility. The location is integral, situated to serve a diverse population. Overall, the concept encourages a balance of private living spaces and public amenities, fostering a sense of belonging and interaction among residents.

Residential Configurations

The Tower serves young professionals, who make up 31% of the local population. It features one-bedroom units that maximize limited space through a vertical layout. These units provide comfortable living for busy individuals. The communal rooftop offers green space, creating places for socializing and relaxation. This design element encourages residents to engage with each other and enjoy their surroundings.

The Mid-Rise section focuses on growing families, accounting for 21% of the residents. It offers two-bedroom units across two stories, designed with family life in mind. The architecture encourages connections through landscaped courtyards where children can play and families can gather. This adaptability makes the Mid-Rise suitable for varying family needs, responding to changes over time.

Affordable Housing Integration

The Low-Rise section includes three-bedroom units aimed at established families seeking affordable options. By combining several single-family lots into a larger development, the design enhances housing density without feeling crowded. This approach promotes accessibility and reinforces commitment to cost-effective living. It serves as a practical solution for those looking for family-friendly environments in a competitive housing market.

Community and Public Amenities

A vital aspect of the design is its integration with public amenities. A modern library stands at the heart of the development, serving as a resource and gathering place for residents. This library distinguishes private housing from public retail and office areas, creating a hub for community activities. Other features, such as a community garden and an existing church, contribute to the neighborhood's social cohesion and support an engaged lifestyle.

Efforts to combine residential living with community services are evident throughout the design. The balance of private and public spaces aims to enhance daily life for residents, encouraging interaction and shared experiences. This focus on community makes the East Melbourne development a model for future housing projects.

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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
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