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Community Integration Through Ground-Level Kitchens and Shared Living Spaces

Authors:
Daniel Rosengren, Marjorie Yeo, Lina Blomqvist, Karola Schaefermeier
Community Integration Through Ground-Level Kitchens and Shared Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Ground-level communal kitchens promote social interaction in a network of microhomes designed to address urban loneliness through shared living experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Communal kitchens at ground level enhance accessibility and social interaction.
02
Microhomes efficiently accommodate two residents while maintaining private amenities.
03
Design incorporates historical communal living concepts to strengthen community ties.
04
Public spaces feature opportunities for residents to sell goods, fostering engagement.
05
An adjacent greenhouse provides fresh produce and additional gathering space.

The design addresses the issue of loneliness in modern urban living by reimagining residential spaces that encourage community interaction. Located in an area with a significant number of one-person households, the concept focuses on shared spaces as essential elements that can foster social connections. The communal kitchen stands out as a key feature, reworking daily routines into chances for residents to engage with one another.

Communal Kitchen

A central aspect of the design, the communal kitchen is placed at ground level to make it easily accessible. This space is intended for cooking, dining, and gathering, creating opportunities for residents to come together. The kitchen's openness invites participation from both inhabitants and the surrounding community, establishing a lively environment that promotes social interaction.

Microhome Configuration

The project includes microhomes that are designed to maximize space for both private and shared activities. Each microhome accommodates two individuals and comprises essential facilities such as sleeping areas, bathing spaces, and storage solutions. This efficient design meets contemporary living needs while also blending private living with communal spaces. It caters to a wide range of residents, including young couples and older individuals looking for social connections.

Historical Inspiration

The design draws inspiration from historical communal living practices, especially those seen in the Medieval Ages, where shared spaces were fundamental to fostering community ties. By reflecting on these historical models, the design highlights the importance of social relationships in modern architecture. This perspective helps to create a thoughtful environment that encourages connections among residents.

While specific materials are not detailed in the presentation, it is expected that their selection would prioritize sustainability and practicality. The emphasis remains on creating spaces that support social interactions and directly respond to the challenge of urban isolation. An additional aspect is the potential integration of a greenhouse, which would provide residents with fresh produce and serve as another venue for community engagement.

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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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