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Communal Living Spaces Integrated with Expansive Courtyards in Urban Intersection

Authors:
Tobias Guggenheimer, Jojo Gallaza, Karen hesia Pasoquin
Communal Living Spaces Integrated with Expansive Courtyards in Urban Intersection

Project in-detail

With communal courtyards thoughtfully integrated into a layout designed for diverse occupants, the development provides inclusive housing solutions in a dynamic urban intersection of Berlin.
5 key facts about this project
01
Diverse housing types cater to various community needs.
02
Central communal courtyards enhance social interaction among residents.
03
Strategic site selection leverages urban intersections for accessibility.
04
Floor plans prioritize privacy while fostering community engagement.
05
Focus on inclusive design addresses low-income and refugee housing.

Located at Prenzlauer Tor Strasse in Berlin, the project addresses the need for a variety of housing options. This site is not only strategically positioned but also boasts a rich urban tapestry. The design incorporates multiple housing types, such as co-housing, elder housing, worker dormitories, student accommodations, refugee shelters, market rate housing, and low-income housing. This diverse offering aims to cater to various segments of the community, reflecting an understanding of the area's social dynamics.

Site and Context

The location at the intersection of Prenzlauer Allee and Tor Strasse allows for efficient use of urban space. Large intersections in Berlin typically have the potential for significant development. Here, the vast available land creates opportunities for a well-planned housing project. The site directly engages with its surroundings, with thoughtful consideration given to the neighborhood’s character and needs, ensuring that it is not just a place to live but part of a vibrant community.

Spatial Organization

The layout methodically arranges living units around central communal courtyards. This organization fosters a sense of community while providing personal privacy for residents. The communal spaces invite residents to interact and connect with their neighbors. Each floor of the building is designed with essential living areas, such as bedrooms, living spaces, and kitchens, which encourage a practical yet comfortable living experience. This structure promotes both independence and community life.

Design Intent

While specific materials are not mentioned in the provided texts, the design suggests a modern approach to urban living. The architecture aims to fit harmoniously into the existing cityscape of Berlin, emphasizing the importance of compatibility with its environment. This consideration not only respects the local architecture but also enhances the overall urban experience for both residents and visitors.

The project highlights a thoughtful investment in urban housing that prioritizes accessibility and community connection. Central to its design are the expansive communal courtyards, which serve as essential gathering spaces, fostering social interaction among residents and enhancing the sense of belonging within the community. These elements collectively strengthen the livability of the development, making it a welcome addition to Berlin's dynamic urban landscape.

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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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