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Community-Centered Living With Adaptive Phased Development

Author:
Changfeng Chen
Community-Centered Living With Adaptive Phased Development

Project in-detail

With a central zig-zagging corridor that enhances community interaction, adaptable phased development allows residents to transition from low-cost dormitory units to larger family homes, promoting sustainable urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central zig-zagging corridor enhances community interaction.
02
Phased development allows flexible transitions between housing types.
03
Designed near an existing railway line for integrated transit access.
04
Mixed-use amenities foster diverse social activities within the community.
05
Adaptable modular spaces accommodate changing resident needs.

The Living Commons is a social housing initiative designed to promote economic sustainability and foster community connections. Located in an urban environment, the project provides flexible living spaces intended to meet the changing needs of residents. With a phased development strategy, the architecture encourages interaction among inhabitants while supporting long-term growth and adaptability.

Architectural Layout

The design incorporates a regular grid system, which allows for easy reconfiguration of living spaces as the circumstances of the residents evolve. A central zig-zagging corridor connects various functional areas within the complex, facilitating movement and encouraging social interactions. This layout invites residents to engage with each other, creating a sense of community.

Programmatic Diversity

The Living Commons features a variety of spaces, including areas for entertainment, sports, and communal activities. This blend of functions helps create a lively neighborhood atmosphere. By incorporating diverse programmatic elements into the design, the project enhances social connections among residents, making it a more interactive living environment.

Phased Development Strategy

The project employs a phased development approach, beginning with low-cost dormitory-style units. These initial homes are financed by revenues from commercial activities within the area. As residents become more established, they can transition to larger and more permanent housing options. This flexible transition reinforces a sense of investment in the community.

Site Integration

The project's location near an existing railway line has been thoughtfully considered in the overall design. Spacing between structural columns is planned to accommodate rail operations, ensuring the housing development fits within the urban infrastructure. Additional green spaces and pathways promote a lively environment, encouraging outdoor activities and walking within the area.

Sustainability is also a key focus of the design, with the architecture favoring efficiency and resilience. The modular approach to living spaces allows for adaptability, meeting the needs of residents as they change over time. The central corridor serves as an active spine of the project, connecting public and private spaces, and enriching daily life within The Living Commons.

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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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