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Bouldering Walls and Mechanical Rooftops Enhance Urban Living with Reinforced Concrete and Glass

Author:
Misa Sawairi
Bouldering Walls and Mechanical Rooftops Enhance Urban Living with Reinforced Concrete and Glass

Project in-detail

With bouldering walls integrated into a façade of reinforced concrete and expansive glass, the design transforms urban living by encouraging fitness and community engagement within an affordable housing framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bouldering walls are integrated into the building’s façade for active recreation.
02
The design employs large glass panels to enhance natural light and visibility.
03
Reinforced concrete provides structural integrity while allowing for creative forms.
04
Mechanical rooftops serve a dual purpose of functionality and aesthetic appeal.
05
Affordable housing units are designed to foster community interaction and wellbeing.

### Project Overview
The Fries House is located in New York City and serves as an innovative residential structure that combines living spaces with active lifestyle amenities. This design integrates bouldering walls, addressing both fitness and residential needs. The project responds to contemporary urban living by examining the interplay between health, nutrition, and design, creating a functional and engaging environment for its inhabitants.

### Spatial Organization and User Engagement
The architectural design features a series of stacked modules that create a dynamic silhouette, promoting both visual interest and efficient use of space. Prominently positioned bouldering areas encourage communal interaction among residents and facilitate an active lifestyle. Additionally, mechanical rooftops serve as multifunctional outdoor spaces, enhancing the living experience while maintaining a focus on community engagement.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
Careful consideration has been given to the materials used in the Fries House, balancing durability with aesthetic appeal. Reinforced concrete provides structural stability, while large glass windows allow ample natural light and visual connection to the urban landscape. Wood finishes contribute warmth to the interiors, contrasting with the robust concrete. The synthetic materials chosen for the climbing walls offer diverse textures and colors, enhancing both the interactive elements of the façade and the overall sustainability of the design. This mix not only supports the structural integrity required in an urban setting but also aligns with the project's goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle within an affordable housing framework.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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