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Barrier-Free Living Through Green Materials and Micro-Town Design

Authors:
Katsiaryna Khamitsevich, Kseniya Valendo, Katsiaryna Bayarchuk, Margarita Adamovich
Barrier-Free Living Through Green Materials and Micro-Town Design

Project in-detail

Connected by a barrier-free platform and built with green materials, this micro-town integrates I-type and L-type modules to create an inclusive living environment for residents in Minsk, Belarus.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for flexibility with I-type and L-type building configurations.
02
Raised common platform eliminates stairs, enhancing accessibility for residents.
03
Vertical gardens are integrated within the micro-town to promote biodiversity.
04
All units utilize green materials prioritizing occupant health and environmental safety.
05
The layout is designed to foster community interaction and cooperative living.

The design focuses on creating an inclusive and sustainable living environment aimed at addressing urban isolation faced by physically disabled citizens. Located in Minsk, Belarus, it envisions a compact "urban town" composed of single-storey micro-houses. The design prioritizes accessibility, community interaction, and environmental responsibility, integrating living units into a cohesive neighborhood that supports social engagement.

Modular Design

The approach incorporates I-type and L-type modules, which can function independently or be combined as needed. This modular design allows for flexibility and efficient space use, ensuring all residents can navigate their environment comfortably. The layout adapts to the changing needs of the community while maintaining a consistent aesthetic.

Accessibility Features

A notable aspect of the design is the raised common platform that connects the buildings. By eliminating stairs, it provides barrier-free access for residents with physical restrictions. This careful consideration of movement enhances comfort and fosters a sense of independence, enabling people to transition seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability plays a crucial role, incorporating solar energy and systems for heat recovery and water recycling. These features aim to minimize environmental impact while promoting energy efficiency in the micro-houses. Furthermore, vertical gardens and ponds are integrated into the layout, enhancing biodiversity and contributing to a more pleasant outdoor environment.

Community Interaction

The arrangement of micro-houses encourages cooperation and social connections among residents. Shared spaces are strategically placed to facilitate interaction, fostering a sense of community. This layout directly responds to the need for social engagement, tackling the loneliness that often comes with urban living.

The commitment to using green building materials ensures the health and safety of residents. These choices align with contemporary building standards, supporting a sustainable lifestyle. Each element, from the modular design to the community-focused layout, aims to create a living environment that is both functional and supportive.

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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

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