Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Biosourced Linen Housing Featuring Modular Design and Integrated Green Spaces

Authors:
Nicola Casini, Stefano Antena
Biosourced Linen Housing Featuring Modular Design and Integrated Green Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing biosourced linen and modular design, this innovative urban housing solution integrates green spaces to create a sustainable and adaptable community living environment in the heart of Paris.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project utilizes biosourced linen as a primary material for both insulation and facade, enhancing sustainability.
02
Modular units can be easily reconfigured or relocated, adapting to shifting urban needs over time.
03
Integrated green spaces include living walls and communal gardens, promoting biodiversity and community interaction.
04
The design maximizes natural light penetration, improving the overall living environment for occupants.
05
Each housing unit is strategically designed for optimal energy efficiency, utilizing eco-friendly insulation solutions.
The HabitLib project presents a thoughtful response to the challenges of urban housing in Paris, evolving into a significant representation of adaptive and sustainable architectural design. It serves as a temporary housing solution, addressing the pressing needs for affordable accommodation in densely populated urban areas. The project embodies a modern architectural approach that emphasizes flexibility while fostering community interaction, making it a relevant case study in contemporary urban living.

At its core, HabitLib functions as a series of modular living units that can be reconfigured and relocated as required. This innovative design accommodates various lifestyles, whether for students, transient workers, or tourists seeking refuge within the urban fabric of Paris. Each unit is compact, with a floor area of either 13 or 16 square meters, yet it is meticulously designed to provide comfort, privacy, and functionality. The smart spatial arrangement allows these modules to house sleeping, living, and working areas efficiently, catering to the diverse needs of its inhabitants.

The architecture of HabitLib features a series of interconnected modular units, characterized by a clean and modern aesthetic that reflects its urban environment. The facade employs biosourced materials, central to the project's philosophy of sustainability and ecological consciousness. Notable materials such as linen fiber, oriented strand board (OSB), balsa wood, cork, biosourced resin, and wood wool insulation play a crucial role in not only providing structural integrity but also contributing to the overall environmental performance of the building. The careful selection of these materials highlights a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint typical of urban architecture.

A distinctive aspect of HabitLib is its integration of green spaces within the building’s design. Outdoor balconies and communal gardens are incorporated, facilitating a connection to nature that promotes social interactions among residents. This element is particularly significant, as it juxtaposes the dense urban setting with much-needed areas for leisure and community engagement. The inclusion of vertical circulation spaces further adds to the project’s livability, where occupants can find solace in green spaces while accessing their living areas.

The modular construction method employed in HabitLib contributes to its unique design approach. This strategy not only enhances the speed of installation but also allows for a degree of customization in unit arrangement, adapting to future urban needs with ease. The project is a meticulous balance between architectural aesthetics and functional efficiency, employing natural light to create pleasant living conditions while ensuring that energy efficiency and thermal performance are optimized through its inventive use of insulation materials.

As a whole, HabitLib reflects a holistic understanding of today’s urban issues related to housing. It poses solutions not just in terms of accommodating individuals but also in fostering a sense of belonging and community within an increasingly fragmented urban landscape. The flexibility and sustainability inherent in the design make it a model for addressing housing needs that could inspire future developments.

Those interested in exploring HabitLib further can delve into the architectural plans, sections, and designs available for review. This additional information offers deeper insights into the architectural strategies employed, as well as the innovative ideas that shaped this contemporary urban housing project. By examining these detailed elements, readers can appreciate the depth and thoughtfulness embedded in HabitLib's design, reflecting the potential of architecture to address pressing societal challenges.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy