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Compact Living Units Crafted from Paper Tube Construction and Recycled Materials in Urban Paris

Authors:
Sharad Maithel, Puneet Dua, Rameez raza Gesawat
Compact Living Units Crafted from Paper Tube Construction and Recycled Materials in Urban Paris

Project in-detail

This architectural project transforms underutilized urban spaces in Paris into compact living units utilizing innovative paper tube construction and eco-friendly materials, fostering community engagement while emphasizing sustainability and adaptability.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The project utilizes innovative paper tube construction, allowing for lightweight yet sturdy structures that reduce environmental impact.
02
Each living unit is designed to optimize space through multifunctional furnishings, providing residents with adaptable environments.
03
Recycled denim insulation is incorporated, promoting sustainability while enhancing thermal performance within the compact units.
04
The design integrates urban buffer zones that transform neglected spaces into vibrant communal areas, fostering social interaction among residents.
05
The architectural approach intentionally repurposes historically significant sites, such as areas adjacent to cemetery grounds, to challenge conventional land use perceptions.
This architectural project represents a thoughtful exploration of urban living through a design that responds to contemporary housing needs while integrating principles of sustainability and community interaction. The design efficiently addresses the challenge of housing shortages in metropolitan areas, making it relevant in today’s fast-evolving urban contexts. At its core, the project embodies the ideals of adaptability and multifunctionality, ensuring that the living environments are not only practical but also capable of accommodating the diverse lifestyles of their inhabitants.

Central to the project’s function is its modular housing approach. The architectural design consists of compact living units tailored to various family structures, allowing for personal customization while maintaining the essence of shared community living. Each unit typically spans around 15 square meters, optimizing space through smart layouts that cater to essential functions—sleeping, working, and leisure. This design accomplishes two important goals: enhancing the quality of life within a limited footprint and making efficient use of urban land.

One of the prominent features of the project is its emphasis on community spaces. The architectural design incorporates communal areas that serve as the social heart of the development. These spaces are thoughtfully distributed throughout the site, bringing residents together for shared activities, collaboration, and support. Common facilities such as kitchens, wash areas, and lounges create opportunities for interaction among occupants, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of isolation, particularly in urban settings where individuals often experience disconnection.

Materiality in this project plays a significant role in reinforcing its ecological footprint. The design utilizes sustainable materials, including paper tubes for reconstruction, wood for structural integrity, and eco-friendly insulation materials derived from recycled resources. These choices not only enhance the environmental credentials of the building but also contribute to its overall appeal; the use of natural textures and colors serves to create inviting and comfortable living spaces.

Unique design approaches manifest significantly in the architectural layout, especially within the context of the chosen site. By repurposing underused urban spaces—such as areas adjacent to cemetery grounds—this project challenges traditional paradigms regarding land use. The design introduces buffer zones, transforming previously overlooked areas into livable environments that invite new interactions and redefine urban space. This approach aligns with the project’s overarching mission: to create vibrant living spaces that are responsive to their context and invitation for community engagement.

In addition to the physical layout and material choices, the architectural design stands out for its scalability and flexibility. The modular aspect encourages future alterations and expansions in accordance with changing demographics and resident needs. This adaptability ensures that the dwelling remains relevant over time, integrating seamlessly into the evolving fabric of the urban environment.

The project invites exploration of its architectural plans and sections to appreciate the meticulous details that contribute to its functionality and aesthetic. By examining these aspects, one can gain deeper insights into the innovative design ideas that underpin the project, revealing how thoughtful architecture can address familiar challenges in modern urban life.

Engaging with the overall architectural presentation reveals a rich tapestry of design principles that work together harmoniously. From the distinctive modular configuration to the sustainable materiality and communal spaces, this project represents a forward-thinking, practical approach to contemporary urban housing—one that aligns perfectly with the nuanced needs of today’s urban dwellers. For those interested in understanding these architectural elements and their implications further, a closer look at the project presentation is encouraged.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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