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Affordable Prefabricated Housing Integrated with Green Public Spaces

Authors:
Aga Kuś, Michał Siupik, Darshik Parejiya
Affordable Prefabricated Housing Integrated with Green Public Spaces

Project in-detail

Relocating traffic underground allows for affordable prefabricated housing to flourish alongside interconnected green spaces, promoting community interaction in a dense urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Affordable housing utilizes prefabricated construction for efficiency.
02
Integrated underground traffic reduces noise and pollution above ground.
03
Staggered housing blocks create natural visual separation while enhancing interaction.
04
Ground-level vending spaces support local commerce within the residential areas.
05
Extensive green pathways promote pedestrian use and community engagement.

The NEXUS project in Berlin addresses the significant needs of a growing urban population while managing limited land available for housing. With more than half of the city's area dedicated to residential uses and over 15% to traffic, the project looks to reclaim underused areas for vibrant green spaces alongside affordable living options. The design concept prioritizes connectivity, linking housing with public spaces to enhance community interaction and improve environmental conditions.

Concept and Connectivity

The design focuses on creating links across the city, bridging different urban areas. Relocating traffic underground reduces noise and pollution, creating a more pleasant environment for pedestrians. This change frees up space on the surface, which can be used for walking paths and greenery.

Green Integration

Enhancing green spaces is a central aspect of the project. The design incorporates parks and pedestrian pathways that connect staggered housing blocks. These public spaces are inviting and promote social interaction among the community. They create a balance between natural surroundings and the built environment, making the urban setting more enjoyable.

Housing Typology

Housing in NEXUS is designed to be affordable and prefabricated, which helps meet the urgent demand for homes in Berlin. These buildings are adaptable to various site conditions, making them practical for the changing needs of the city. The layout encourages neighborly interactions while providing spaces for privacy.

Commercial Integration

Ground-level areas are intended for vending and commercial activities, supporting local business and providing essential services for residents. This arrangement makes amenities easily accessible and contributes to a lively urban atmosphere. The integration of shops and services within residential blocks creates a convenient living experience for those who call this area home.

The NEXUS project includes parks with winding pathways and gathering spaces, inviting residents to explore their surroundings. These elements foster a sense of community while offering a necessary retreat from the urban hustle.

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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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