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Affordable Multi-Family Housing with Modular Units and Green Spaces

Author:
Yuhan Gu
Affordable Multi-Family Housing with Modular Units and Green Spaces

Project in-detail

With modular units and dedicated green spaces, the design emphasizes affordable multi-family housing to address the growing demand in Melbourne's urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units designed for adaptability in various family sizes.
02
Dedicated green spaces integrated throughout the residential complex.
03
Focus on affordability to meet the urgent housing needs in Melbourne.
04
Architectural grammar applied to enhance functional and aesthetic qualities.
05
Community-oriented layout promotes interaction among residents.

The design emerges in the urban setting of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, responding to the urgent demand for housing resulting from significant population growth. With a growth rate of 2.7% from 2016 to 2017, the city gained 125,000 residents. As Melbourne projects a population exceeding five million by 2021, the design focuses on creating housing that is both functional and accessible. The approach employs architectural grammar, aiming to develop spaces that reflect the city’s diverse culture while addressing challenges related to affordability and living standards.

Analysis of Housing Dynamics

An examination of the housing market reveals that average prices in Greater Melbourne are around $836,000. Properties that meet the needs of families, usually around 105 square meters, are priced at about $614,000. This reality poses a significant challenge for many potential homeowners. The design seeks to offer a range of housing types that accommodate different family structures and economic situations, ultimately enhancing overall living conditions in the area.

Spatial Organization and Community Integration

Key to the design is the way spaces are organized to promote community connections and comfort. Living rooms, bedrooms, and shared areas like playgrounds are integrated to encourage interaction among residents. Alongside these features, gardens and pathways contribute to a pleasant environment, offering both visual appeal and green spaces that enhance well-being and sustainability.

Design Features and Functionality

To optimize functionality, the design incorporates various features that cater to the needs of diverse residents. Roof styles and modular living units create flexible options for households, including single-parent families and individuals. Accessibility is further enhanced through features like elevators, ensuring ease of movement within the living spaces.

The use of architectural grammar as a guiding principle aids in articulating a coherent vision for urban living. Each design element is carefully considered to fulfill its practical role while contributing positively to the community atmosphere. The arrangement of gardens throughout the area adds a touch of nature to everyday life, helping to create a welcoming space that fosters both personal privacy and community interaction.

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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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