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 Living Enhanced by Shared-Ownership Spaces

Authors:
Juan carlos Medina pereyra, Diana marisol Narvaez berlanga, Maria jose Montero lopez
Community Living Enhanced by Shared-Ownership Spaces

Project in-detail

Shared-ownership spaces designed to foster community interaction complement a flexible living environment in Toronto, addressing the rising demand for affordable housing while promoting economic sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Shared-ownership spaces promote community engagement and social interaction among residents.
02
The design includes flexible living areas that adapt to the evolving needs of families.
03
Revenue-generating opportunities arise from sharing and renting shared ownerships.
04
Community gardens enhance green space and provide a hub for interaction.
05
The project emphasizes economic sustainability in an urban environment.

The design addresses the pressing need for affordable housing in Toronto. It envisions a living environment that goes beyond the basic function of providing shelter. The concept integrates spaces for various activities such as learning, working, exercising, and socializing. By focusing on community and interaction, the design redefines how homes can support modern lifestyles.

Shared-Ownership Spaces

Central to the design are the shared-ownership spaces. These areas encourage residents to meet and interact without losing their individual privacy. They are carefully positioned to create opportunities for connection while allowing personal space. This approach balances community engagement with the need for private living quarters. It recognizes that social ties are crucial for a supportive living environment.

Economic Sustainability

The project incorporates a model of economic sustainability by allowing residents to share, donate, or rent their shared ownerships. This feature can generate additional income, which helps in maintaining the building and reduces the financial burden on residents. This model creates a supportive financial structure that benefits both individuals and the wider community. It highlights how thoughtful design can promote financial stability in urban settings.

Adaptability and Functionality

Adaptability is a key principle in the design. Living spaces are flexible to meet the changing needs of families over time. The design acknowledges that urban populations are dynamic; thus, homes must be able to adjust accordingly. Functionality is enhanced through designated areas like libraries, meeting rooms, and fitness spaces. These facilitate various activities and encourage residents to make full use of their living environment.

The careful melding of these features results in a living experience that is relevant to today’s urban life. Alongside these shared spaces, a community garden offers a quiet spot for relaxation and connection with nature. This element adds another layer to the living environment, supporting both personal reflection and community engagement.

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