Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Community Cohesion with Shared Terraces in Urban Living

Authors:
Tiziano Dallaporta, Sofia Barina, Alberto Presti
Community Cohesion with Shared Terraces in Urban Living

Project in-detail

With an emphasis on horizontal metabolism, the design integrates shared terraces to foster community engagement in response to London’s pressing urban housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Shared terraces designed to enhance community interaction among residents.
02
Duplex apartments accommodate a variety of household sizes to promote inclusivity.
03
Focus on improving local air quality through the integration of green spaces.
04
Housing model addresses the urgent need for mixed-income living in London.
05
Use of horizontal metabolism concept to balance private and communal living.

The project at Robin Hood Gardens occupies a significant position in one of London's rapidly developing areas. It aims to rejuvenate the community through thoughtfully designed residences that cater to various household sizes. With the concept of "Horizontal Metabolism," the development emphasizes both individual living spaces and shared outdoor areas. This focus allows residents to connect with one another while addressing the urgent need for housing in the borough.

Design Concept

Central to the design is a range of duplex apartments that accommodate people in different living situations. By offering units for singles, couples, and families, the development promotes inclusivity and diversity. The design is informed by the demographic landscape of the area, which consists mainly of younger residents. This flexibility in housing options helps fulfill the growing demand for comfortable living in a vibrant urban setting.

Outdoor Integration

The project features new terraces that serve as essential community spaces for interaction and relaxation. These terraces can be either private or shared, encouraging residents to use them for socializing and leisure activities. By placing emphasis on outdoor living, the design enhances the quality of life for those who inhabit the buildings. These terraces not only provide a visual appeal but also create spaces where neighbors can come together.

Environmental Considerations

Included in the planning process is a thorough look into the local environment, particularly the area's air quality challenges. To improve these conditions, the design incorporates green spaces that contribute to a healthier overall environment. The goal is to create a living area that fosters well-being while acknowledging the ecological responsibilities of urban development. This focus on sustainability enhances the appeal of the residences while aiming to benefit the local ecosystem.

Community Focus

Engagement with the community is a key aspect of the Robin Hood Gardens initiative. Insights into local demographics highlight the need for affordable housing that meets the needs of a diverse population. The project is designed to address these requirements by providing various living options. This thoughtful approach to community housing fosters social interaction among residents and encourages a sense of belonging.

The architecture reflects a commitment to creating adaptable spaces, where the balance between private homes and communal areas is carefully thought out. Each duplex unit aims to enhance functionality and connection to the surroundings, ensuring that residents can interact with both their immediate environment and their neighbors.

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