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Atrium-Based Living with Modular Prefabrication in Urban Paris

Author:
Cheng Hou Ho
Atrium-Based Living with Modular Prefabrication in Urban Paris
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With a focus on modular prefabrication and the integration of natural light through private atriums, the design creates a sustainable living environment aimed at enhancing community engagement in urban Paris.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular construction reduces onsite waste and construction time.
02
Private atriums serve as both light sources and gardens for residents.
03
Corridors are placed on alternating floors to optimize space usage.
04
Communal areas support local activities like markets and outdoor events.
05
Design integrates seamlessly with existing urban amenities and services.

The project focuses on affordable housing solutions in the historic backdrop of Paris. With an increasing urban population, the design seeks to address the need for innovative housing while preserving the city's rich heritage. The Pavilion concept aims to revitalize traditional terraced homes, fostering community connections and enhancing the living environment.

Housing Concept

The design of the Pavilion centers around maximizing the use of private land within existing atriums, a hallmark of Parisian architecture. These spaces allow natural light to enter and provide private gardens for residents. By reducing traditional circulation corridors, which can limit usable space, the design places corridors on alternating floors. This arrangement improves accessibility and movement throughout the building.

Modular Design

Prefabricated external modules form the core of the Pavilion. These modules extend living areas both vertically and horizontally, creating a flexible layout. The interlocking design allows each module to adapt to different site conditions. Access to living quarters is facilitated through four points within the corridor, designed to be a communal buffer. This layout encourages privacy while also promoting social interaction among residents.

Community Spaces

The Pavilion includes common areas that support various community activities, such as local markets and outdoor cinemas. This multifunctional approach helps to create a vibrant community hub, fostering social connections and engagement among residents. The intent is to provide an environment that meets the diverse needs of families, students, and individuals, enhancing the overall living experience.

Urban Integration

The design carefully considers existing urban amenities to ensure that the Pavilion fits well within its surroundings. The location prioritizes access to public transportation, markets, and essential services, aiming to create a self-sufficient living environment. Overall, the project approaches the issue of housing shortages while respecting Paris's architectural legacy.

The Pavilion stands out with its use of atriums as inviting private gardens. This design choice not only supports sustainable living but also enriches the overall aesthetic, making the Pavilion a unique addition to the urban landscape.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
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Stair
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Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

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  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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