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Bicycle Lane Integration with Concentric Community Spaces

Authors:
Mingjia Hu, Qian Chen, Tingjun Pan, Yuchan Wang
Bicycle Lane Integration with Concentric Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating a bicycle lane for energy generation, the design emphasizes a concentric layout that fosters community interaction while serving as a multifunctional living and working environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bicycle lane generates electrical energy from cycling.
02
Concentric layout enhances community interaction and accessibility.
03
Ground-level design improves mobility with multiple entrances.
04
Natural ventilation supported by a parabolic structural system.
05
User behavior patterns guide the organization of spaces.

The design located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, provides a thoughtful response to changing lifestyles and work patterns. With a focus on blending residential and professional spaces, the structure caters to the needs of internet celebrities. It offers an environment that allows individuals to thrive in both work and home life, directly reflecting recent shifts in society.

Design Approach

The layout organizes spaces in a way that promotes intimacy and connection. Users are naturally guided toward a central communal area where interaction can take place. The ground level includes bicycle paths that wrap around the building, making it easy for people to move around while also enhancing the visual appeal of the site.

Sustainability and Energy Generation

Central to the design is a commitment to sustainability. A dedicated bicycle lane at the building's base allows users to create electrical energy while cycling. This approach not only encourages exercise but also contributes to the building’s energy efficiency. The stored energy can be used when needed, combining healthy activity with practical functionality.

Structural Implementation

Supports are dispersed throughout the space, predominantly in the atrium and individual rooms. A parabolic support structure reinforces the base of the building, providing stability. This design choice also aids in natural ventilation, keeping the internal environment comfortable. Functionality and aesthetics are balanced, ensuring that each space serves its purpose well.

User-Centric Design

Behavioral patterns have been taken into account in the layout. Different areas are designed for activities such as work and relaxation, with specific time allocations for each. This careful planning enhances how spaces are used and improves daily life for residents.

Large windows invite in natural light, emphasizing the interiors and creating a sense of openness. Visual connections to the outside promote a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, making the environment feel more spacious and connected to nature.

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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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