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Concrete Facade with Parasitic Extensions Enhancing Urban Living

Authors:
Luca Nicoletti, Riccardo Righetti, Riccardo Quintarelli
Concrete Facade with Parasitic Extensions Enhancing Urban Living

Project in-detail

The integration of parasitic extensions within a concrete facade reimagines communal living in an urban context, enhancing the functionality of a residential tower while promoting social interaction among its inhabitants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integration of parasitic extensions expands living areas without altering the original building structure.
02
Concrete facade serves as a nod to the building's Brutalist heritage while ensuring durability.
03
Strategic landscaping minimizes external noise, enhancing acoustic comfort for residents.
04
Green spaces are incorporated to improve ecological health and provide recreational options.
05
Emphasis on communal areas fosters social interaction among tenants in an urban setting.

The Balfron Tower project is a significant example of residential architecture that blends the historical importance of a Grade II listed building with modern design updates. Located in Poplar, London, the structure was completed in 1967 and showcases Brutalist design. It serves as an important living space while aiming to adapt to the current needs of its residents.

Design Concept

At the heart of the design is the idea of balancing community and privacy. The project focuses on rearranging communal and private areas to encourage residents to connect with one another while still enjoying their own space. This focus on social interaction aims to create a sense of community within the tower, making urban living more enjoyable.

Green Integration

A vital component of the project is the addition of green spaces that enhance both the appearance and environmental quality of the area. Landscaped areas will be incorporated both inside and outside the building. This greenery provides residents with opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Furthermore, these green elements contribute positively to the ecosystem in an urban setting.

Materiality

Concrete remains the primary material, preserving the authentic character of Brutalist architecture. In addition to concrete, the design introduces steel and wood, which add warmth to shared spaces and increase functional possibilities. This combination of materials supports the overall structure while updating the building for present-day use.

Spatial Innovation

The project includes innovative features like parasitic extensions that enhance living spaces. These extensions meet current demands without disrupting the original design. Their thoughtful placement reflects an understanding of how to adapt a living environment to better serve both current and future residents.

The design also takes noise into account. It features strategic landscaping with trees that help lessen the impact of traffic sounds from nearby roads. This consideration is part of the project's goal to create a comfortable living experience in an often noisy urban landscape.

Balfron Tower will maintain its original concrete façade while integrating new elements that improve functionality and aesthetics. This approach ensures that the building continues to interact positively with the surrounding community, enhancing its role as a vital space for urban living.

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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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