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Community Spaces Enhanced by Energy Efficiency and Local Business Integration

Author:
Elias Knecht
Community Spaces Enhanced by Energy Efficiency and Local Business Integration

Project in-detail

Integrating community spaces with energy-efficient systems, the design emphasizes local business support and scalability within an affordable housing framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Affordable housing integrates modular units for flexibility in design.
02
Ground floor features shared community spaces for social interaction.
03
Emphasis on energy efficiency with passive heating and cooling systems.
04
Design supports local businesses through integrated commercial areas.
05
Accessible pedestrian pathways reduce reliance on motor traffic.

The design focuses on solving the pressing issue of affordable housing in urban areas, particularly in cities like San Francisco, where the need for accessible living spaces is critical. The concept emphasizes housing as a basic human right, encouraging a move away from treating it merely as a commodity. By fostering a community-oriented environment, the design seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents while facilitating genuine social connections.

Community-Centric Design

The layout features communal areas on the ground floor, which combine administrative services with opportunities for local businesses. This arrangement helps promote interaction among residents. A pedestrian-friendly design reduces the need for cars, encouraging walking and building a vibrant public life. The shared spaces invite social engagement, creating an atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging.

Modularity and Scalability

Flexibility is a key aspect of the design. The project employs a modular approach that allows spaces to adapt to changing needs over time. This scalability ensures the development remains functional and relevant as demographics shift. The arrangement balances private living quarters with communal areas, enhancing both individual privacy and community cohesion, which is essential in urban living.

Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability is a significant focus of the design. Energy-efficient features such as smart building elements and passive heating and cooling systems help to lower energy consumption. The use of renewable resources reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility, aiming to minimize the ecological impact of the building. These initiatives contribute to a sustainable living environment for future residents.

Attention to detail is evident in how the design incorporates both public and private areas. Smooth transitions between shared spaces and individual homes enhance functionality while enriching daily life. This thoughtful arrangement fosters a strong sense of community within the urban setting, promoting engagement and interaction among residents.

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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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