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Community Living Enhanced by Rooftop Spaces in Berlin's Historic Urban Fabric

Author:
Pisica Matthias
Community Living Enhanced by Rooftop Spaces in Berlin's Historic Urban Fabric

Project in-detail

Rooftop communal spaces transform existing structures in Berlin's Hansaviertel into an inclusive housing solution that fosters community interaction and adaptability for diverse lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooftop spaces serve as communal areas for residents, promoting social interaction.
02
The design incorporates existing structural elements, enhancing sustainability and reducing waste.
03
Modularity allows for flexible wall configurations to accommodate diverse living needs.
04
Intergenerational housing supports connections among residents of varying ages.
05
Urban acupuncture principles inform the strategic addition of housing units within the existing context.

The project focuses on “Incremental Housing,” integrating new residential units within the urban fabric of Berlin’s Hansaviertel district. This area, developed in 1957 during the modernist movement, serves as a backdrop rich in architectural history. The design aims to address contemporary housing needs while fostering a sense of community and interaction among residents in an evolving urban environment.

Hybrid Living Spaces

The main concept centers on creating a new kind of living accommodation that connects with existing structures. By using stairwells, exterior walkways, flat roofs, and blind walls, the design promotes innovative living arrangements. These features are not merely functional; they invite people to come together, fostering connections and enhancing the overall living experience.



Flexibility and Modularity

Flexibility plays a significant role in the design, allowing living spaces to adapt easily. The arrangement of walls can be modified to meet various needs, catering to different lifestyles and family sizes. This adaptability makes the living environment dynamic and responsive, providing options for residents as their situations change over time.



Community-Centric Design

The project emphasizes communal living, creating common spaces that encourage social interaction. These areas aim to strengthen ties among residents, particularly across generations. Rooftop spaces designed for gathering foster social bonds, ensuring both new and old community members feel connected and included in this evolving neighborhood.



Innovative Density Strategies

Increasing population density is achieved through urban acupuncture principles. Existing structures are used to strategically add new units, optimizing the available space without disrupting the architectural character of Hansaviertel. This focused approach supports sustainable urban growth while respecting the area’s heritage.



The result is a thoughtful balance between modern living needs and the historical context of the area. Rooftops transformed into green communal spaces invite residents to gather, relax, and enjoy their surroundings, enhancing life within the 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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