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CLT Panels and Urban Farming: A Modular Approach to Community Living

Authors:
Beixi Zhu, Shiyu Jin
CLT Panels and Urban Farming: A Modular Approach to Community Living

Project in-detail

With its integration of CLT panels and an urban farming landscape, the design incorporates modular units that foster community engagement while providing sustainable housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
CLT panels are used to enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
The project includes an urban farming landscape for resident engagement.
03
A central courtyard of 780m² promotes social interaction among residents.
04
Units are organized in inner and outer loops to balance privacy and community.
05
Modular design accommodates various lifestyles with flexible living arrangements.

The design in Melbourne offers a modular housing solution aimed at addressing the needs of urban living. It focuses on affordability and sustainability while promoting a strong sense of community. The project’s overall concept is based on Aggregation, which combines different living spaces into a cohesive environment that supports both connectivity and individuality among residents.

Modular Design Concept

Aggregation is a core principle that guides the structure. The design utilizes a pixelation strategy, where individual units come together to form a larger community. This allows for a flexible arrangement of living spaces while ensuring each unit maintains its identity. Organizing the layout into inner and outer loops creates a balance between private areas and shared spaces, enriching the living experience.

Spatial Configuration

Various unit types cater to different lifestyles and needs. The categories include Short, Tall, Grande, and Venti, with sizes that begin at 28m² for micro-units and extend to more spacious arrangements. This thoughtful division ensures that the architecture adapts to the demands of modern living and encourages social interaction among residents.

Central Courtyard and Urban Farming

A central courtyard spans 780m² and serves as a shared area for residents. Alongside it, an urban farming landscape enhances the living environment, promoting sustainability and access to fresh produce. This feature not only contributes to healthier living but also strengthens the bond between people and nature in an urban setting.

Materiality and Construction

The building's facade is made from prefabricated "sandwich" CLT panels. This choice is significant for both efficiency and environmental considerations. The use of these materials supports the project’s aim for sustainability and modern building practices. These panels further improve the thermal performance of the homes, keeping residents comfortable in varying weather conditions.

Living arrangements are diverse, with distinct communal spaces designed to foster interaction. The well-planned central courtyard provides a recreational area for residents, promoting community connection and engagement. Overall, the design addresses urban housing needs while emphasizing both individual and collective experiences in a thoughtful manner.

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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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