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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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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

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