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Car Park Conversion into Affordable Housing with Emphasis on Natural Light

Author:
Milo Oliva
Car Park Conversion into Affordable Housing with Emphasis on Natural Light

Project in-detail

Transforming an underutilized car park into affordable housing, the design prioritizes natural light and community interaction while employing a modular construction method that ensures efficient and sustainable living solutions in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Converts an existing car park into functional residential units.
02
Utilizes modular construction for rapid assembly and efficiency.
03
Promotes community interaction through shared living spaces.
04
Optimizes natural light to enhance the living environment.
05
Located in Southwark, addressing urban housing needs directly.

The affordable housing project in Southwark, London, takes on the challenge of providing residential units by converting an existing car park. The design aims to address the strong demand for affordable housing in a crowded urban area. Using modular construction as its main concept, the project focuses on efficient building practices while making the best use of the existing framework.

Modular Construction

The project utilizes modular construction, which allows for parts of the building to be made off-site. This means the assembly on-site can happen quickly, reducing the time needed to complete the project. By prefabricating units, the overall process minimizes disruptions for nearby residents and businesses during construction. This approach enhances efficiency and helps to meet the pressing need for more housing.

Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability is a key focus in this design. The methods used aim to significantly reduce waste, which is an important consideration in today’s construction practices. By prioritizing sustainability, the project contributes to a more responsible use of resources in the urban environment. It reflects a growing awareness of environmental impact in architectural design.

Urban Integration

Adapting the car park into housing highlights the potential of reusing existing structures within the city. The layout of the units is intended to optimize space while encouraging community interaction. Residents will find shared areas that promote connection among neighbors, helping to create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. This integration makes the most of what was already there.

Design Quality

Quality in construction is emphasized throughout the project, with attention paid to long-lasting materials and finishes. While the details of specific materials are not discussed, the focus on craftsmanship ensures that the housing units are durable and functional. The design also incorporates large windows to maximize natural light, allowing for bright and inviting interiors that connect residents with their surroundings.

One appealing detail is the way the design allows for light to fill the spaces, creating a sense of openness and warmth. This thoughtful incorporation of natural elements enhances the livability of the new homes.

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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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