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A Modular Approach to Affordable Urban Housing

Author:
Ji Eun Lim
A Modular Approach to Affordable Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Situated within an urban context defined by concrete panel housing, the design seeks to provide flexible and affordable living solutions for diverse family types. It emphasizes the integration of residential units with communal spaces to encourage social interaction and improve quality of life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community design incorporates bomb shelters for safety and dual functionality.
02
Modular units offer flexible configurations to accommodate diverse family sizes.
03
Public spaces include facilities such as a library and climate-controlled cinema.
04
Facades feature insulation and metal panels for enhanced energy efficiency.
05
Balconies are renovated to promote outdoor engagement among residents.

Urban Modular Housing addresses affordable living within a dense urban environment characterized by existing concrete panel structures. The design focuses on flexibility to accommodate various family sizes while promoting social interaction through the integration of housing units with shared public spaces. The approach aims to enhance both individual living conditions and community engagement.

Modular Layout and Spatial Adaptability
The housing units follow a modular system based on the existing structural grid of 3200 mm by 4500 mm, offering configurations ranging from one to four bedrooms, with areas between 14.4 m² and 62.6 m². This modularity supports adaptability to diverse household needs and encourages inclusivity. Public amenities such as a library, climate-controlled cinema, music hall, and gym are incorporated to foster cultural activities and social connections within the community.

Facade Upgrades and Building Restoration
Facade enhancements include insulation and metal paneling applied to the existing concrete structures, improving energy efficiency and updating the exterior appearance. The renovation strategy involves removing damaged sections within the housing blocks to insert new modular units, maintaining coherence with the original buildings. Walkways and landscaped areas connect living spaces to communal zones, encouraging resident interaction. The integration of bomb shelters within public spaces also addresses safety while contributing to the overall functionality of the design.

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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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