Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Communal Living Enhanced by Prefabricated Concrete and Perforated Steel

Author:
Gaby Khoriaty
Communal Living Enhanced by Prefabricated Concrete and Perforated Steel

Project in-detail

With its integration of prefabricated prestressed concrete and perforated steel, the design fosters a sense of community through flexible living arrangements in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Five modular forms allow for diverse living configurations within a single urban footprint.
02
The ground floor integrates commercial spaces to enhance community interaction among residents.
03
Rooftop communal areas promote outdoor socialization while maximizing urban views.
04
Prefabricated concrete construction minimizes waste and supports rapid assembly.
05
Perforated steel elements provide both aesthetic appeal and functional shading.

The design focuses on collective living in urban areas, emphasizing adaptability and modularity. By addressing the challenges of modern housing, it aims to create a living environment that meets diverse needs. The project looks to foster community interaction while integrating sustainable practices, providing a solution in a setting where space is often limited.

MODULAR DESIGN APPROACH

Five primary forms serve as the basis for the project, including Single Elements, Double Elements, Triple Elements, Straight configurations, "L" Shapes, and Quadruple Elements. Each unit is derived from a basic module of 4.8 meters by 4.8 meters. These forms can be arranged both horizontally and vertically. This flexibility allows for a variety of configurations, accommodating different tenant demographics and preferences.



COMMUNITY INTERACTION

A strong focus is placed on community building through shared spaces. The overall layout encourages social interaction among residents. Shared areas are designed for communal cooking, childcare, and leisure activities. By integrating these spaces, the design creates opportunities for residents to engage with one another, emphasizing connections that often get lost in urban settings.



GROUND FLOOR FUNCTIONALITY

The ground floor acts as a semi-public space, providing essential services like coffee shops, nurseries, and small retail shops. This design choice promotes community engagement and ensures that daily needs are easily accessible. The ground floor becomes a lively hub, where residents can gather and socialize, enriching the living experience.



SUSTAINABILITY IN MATERIALS

Sustainability plays a key role in the overall design. The project proposes the use of prefabricated prestressed concrete posts and beams, sandwich panels with thermal insulation, perforated steel for balconies, and stainless steel cables. These materials contribute to energy efficiency and help minimize waste. The thoughtful selection of materials not only improves durability but also simplifies construction, aligning with the goal of sustainability.



Rooftop areas are designed as communal spaces, allowing residents to enjoy the outdoors. These areas offer spots for relaxation and socialization, enhancing the living experience while providing views of the surrounding environment.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy