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Braided Container Living Emphasizing Urban Community Engagement

Author:
Nataliya Kotova
Braided Container Living Emphasizing Urban Community Engagement
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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