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Balconies and Greenery Define Modular Urban Living

Authors:
Hamid Shahi, Ronak Gandhi
Balconies and Greenery Define Modular Urban Living
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With modular units designed for flexibility and balconies integrated with greenery, the development redefines urban living through communal spaces that foster interaction among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for flexible configurations across different urban contexts.
02
Balconies are designed to support integrated greenery for enhanced livability.
03
Communal kitchens and spaces are centralized to promote resident interaction.
04
Parasitic housing design utilizes existing structures for efficient land use.
05
The project repurposes an old bridge to create a linear neighborhood layout.

The design focuses on changing housing in London to support a sustainable lifestyle. It prioritizes how residents relate to one another and considers the materials used in construction. With an emphasis on prefabricated methods, the approach uses a modular system that allows for flexible living arrangements. This design adapts effectively to urban needs while fitting into the existing city landscape.

Modular System

The structure employs modular units, each measuring 25 square meters with a square footprint of 5 meters by 5 meters. These modules can be arranged in several configurations, including tower blocks, infill housing, parasitic housing placed on existing buildings, and linear neighborhoods created by repurposing an existing bridge. This flexibility allows the design to serve various urban living needs while integrating smoothly into the area.

Communal Spaces

A notable aspect of the design is the inclusion of communal spaces that encourage interaction among residents. Kitchens and multipurpose areas serve as community hubs where individuals can gather. This layout promotes a sense of belonging, moving away from isolated living to a more connected residential experience. It reflects current trends in urban planning that highlight the importance of social interaction in housing design.

Integration of Nature

The design emphasizes a strong relationship with nature by incorporating balconies that offer residents outdoor access. These spaces contribute to ventilation and allow plenty of natural light into the units. The balconies are designed to include greenery, which supports local biodiversity and improves the overall quality of life. Additionally, a grid structure within the layout provides practical shelving options, helping residents organize their belongings while allowing for personalization.

Levels and Amenities

Multiple levels, ranging from the ground level to Level 10, are included in the design, each one equipped with various amenities designed to meet the needs of the residents. This arrangement enhances adaptability, ensuring the design remains functional across different urban contexts. Each floor balances communal and private areas, creating spaces for social activities while preserving personal comfort.

Residents can design their balconies as small gardens, further emphasizing the project’s commitment to integrating greenery into urban living. This aspect contributes to both the visual appeal of the environment and supports urban biodiversity.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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