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Cantilevered Balconies and Community Gardens Crafted from Local Materials in a Vertical Urban Living Space

Authors:
Yutong Jin, Yupeng Gao, Mathew tou u Tong
Cantilevered Balconies and Community Gardens Crafted from Local Materials in a Vertical Urban Living Space

Project in-detail

Cantilevered balconies extend over lush community gardens, seamlessly integrating natural elements with locally sourced materials to create a vibrant mixed-use space for urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced terracotta tiles for both aesthetic appeal and regional identity.
02
Incorporates extensive green walls designed to enhance biodiversity and air quality within urban settings.
03
Features flexible modular units that allow families to adapt living spaces to their changing needs.
04
Integrates a rainwater harvesting system to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability.
05
Offers a vibrant marketplace area within the structure, fostering local commerce and community interaction.
The architectural project designated as "Melbourne Rejuvenation" represents a thoughtful exploration of urban living that integrates community needs with sustainable design principles. Situated within the dynamic urban landscape of Melbourne, Australia, this project embodies a response to the evolving fabric of contemporary society, characterized by diverse demographics and shifting lifestyle preferences. By reimagining suburban concepts and adapting them to a vertical format, the architecture seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents while remaining firmly rooted in the context of its geographical location.

Functionally, the project serves as a mixed-use development, providing a rich tapestry of residential units, communal spaces, and local commercial opportunities. It encourages social interaction among residents, forging connections that might otherwise be lost in conventional housing models. The layout facilitates easy access to shared amenities such as community gardens, marketplaces, and recreational areas, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement among inhabitants. This emphasis on communal living promotes a harmonious coexistence of different family structures, ensuring that spaces cater to nuclear families, immigrant couples, and older residents alike.

At the heart of the Melbourne Rejuvenation project is a commitment to sustainability, demonstrated through a meticulous selection of materials and innovative design approaches. The predominant use of concrete and steel framing provides a solid backbone for the structure, while glass facades are carefully incorporated to maximize natural light and create visual connectivity with the surroundings. Timber elements feature prominently in the interiors, creating warm, inviting environments that enhance the overall livability of the spaces. The integration of terracotta tiles adds a local touch to both the flooring and façade treatments, helping to ground the architecture within the cultural context of Melbourne.

Unique to this project is the emphasis on adaptability within residential units, allowing for a variety of configurations that respond to the distinct needs of families. The modular design not only permits customization but encourages residents to personalize their spaces, reflecting their individual lifestyles and preferences. This flexibility is essential in fostering a sense of ownership, which is a key component of successful community living.

The communal areas are an essential aspect of the design, as they play a significant role in facilitating social interactions. Community gardens offer spaces where residents can engage in gardening and food production, contributing to both personal well-being and sustainability goals. Additionally, the inclusion of marketplace areas encourages small businesses to thrive, creating economic opportunities while reinforcing the area's social dynamics. These shared spaces ultimately serve to enrich the daily lives of residents, transforming the building into a vibrant hub of activity.

From an urban design perspective, the Melbourne Rejuvenation project thoughtfully addresses the challenges of increasing urban density while maintaining a focus on human-centered design. The architecture not only accommodates a growing population but also prioritizes environmental impact through the integration of green spaces and eco-friendly systems, such as rainwater harvesting and solar panels. This approach highlights a significant move towards reducing the ecological footprint of urban living, showcasing an awareness of sustainability that is essential in today's architectural discourse.

Overall, the Melbourne Rejuvenation project stands as a compelling example of how architecture can respond to the complexities of urban life. With its unique design approaches, thoughtful material choices, and a commitment to community engagement, this project endeavors to redefine the relationship between living spaces and their residents. For those interested in diving deeper into the project’s architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, exploring the project presentation will provide a wealth of insights into the innovative solutions and strategies employed throughout this exemplary undertaking.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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
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