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Braided Container Living Emphasizing Urban Community Engagement

Author:
Nataliya Kotova
Braided Container Living Emphasizing Urban Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Crafted from repurposed shipping containers, the braided layout facilitates urban interaction while promoting sustainable living, exemplifying contemporary housing solutions in Port Melbourne.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from repurposed shipping containers, enhancing sustainability.
02
The braided layout promotes connectivity among residences and public areas.
03
Design incorporates flexible dimensions to accommodate diverse living needs.
04
Efficient sun orientation reduces energy consumption within units.
05
Community spaces encourage social interaction while preserving individual privacy.

The design located in Port Melbourne presents a modern approach to urban living. It uses shipping containers as the main building blocks, offering solutions to common challenges such as density, affordability, and sustainability. The project also encourages a sense of self-expression among those who call it home.

Modularity and Flexibility

At the heart of the design is the use of 40' Dry Cargo and Hi-Cube containers, which allow for quick construction and efficient use of space. These containers have flexible dimensions: heights range from 2.69m to 2.90m, widths from 2.35m to 2.44m, and lengths from 12.01m to 12.19m. This variability supports various living arrangements, making it possible for residents to personalize their spaces while sharing a common environment.

Braided Structure and Urban Integration

The layout features a braided structure designed to enhance connections within the urban setting. This configuration helps create pathways that link the buildings to public areas. Natural light is welcomed into the design, promoting outdoor living and improving residents' overall well-being. The containers form a sturdy framework while also offering privacy and shelter, allowing for a mix of individual and communal spaces.

Contextual Response and Materiality

The design thoughtfully responds to its surroundings by blending aspects of Victorian architecture with modern styles. This combination illustrates how architectural ideas can evolve over time. The exterior cladding of the containers enables flexibility in appearance, helping the project fit harmoniously into the neighborhood while allowing for personal expression.

Sustainability and Resourcing

Sustainability is a key focus, with the project relying on locally sourced shipping containers, highlighting a culture of recycling. This choice meets current housing needs and contributes to environmental goals. Efficient sun orientation is another important consideration, helping to further reduce energy use.

The arrangement of containers encourages community interaction. Common areas invite social gatherings and foster connections among residents while still maintaining personal privacy within individual units.

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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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