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Concrete Service Towers and Modular Steel Housing Over Highway Spaces

Authors:
Maha Atef, Wafaa Nadim, Joy Samuel, Yara Salama
Concrete Service Towers and Modular Steel Housing Over Highway Spaces

Project in-detail

Modular steel housing units are strategically positioned above highways, incorporating concrete service towers and a zero commuting concept to create an affordable living solution in Sydney.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units utilize a grid system allowing for easy expansion.
02
Steel framework provides structural strength for over-highway placement.
03
Concrete service towers separate living areas from essential utilities.
04
Design incorporates the zero commuting concept to enhance urban living.
05
Affordable housing addresses demographic shifts and land scarcity.

"LINK: Sydney's Future Catalyst" addresses the need for affordable urban housing in Sydney, focusing specifically on the less privileged community. By transforming underutilized spaces above highways, the design proposes modular housing units. This approach seeks to make effective use of land while promoting a sense of community among residents. The overall design emphasizes adaptability and efficiency in urban living.

Modular Design Strategy

The project features a modular design that allows for flexibility in housing solutions. Each unit is carefully crafted within a grid dimension of 4.5 meters by 4.5 meters. This modularity is not just about aesthetics; it enables the possibility of expanding units to meet the changing needs of residents. The concept promotes an affordable living environment while allowing residents to personalize their spaces.

Structural Framework

A skeleton steel structure forms the backbone of the housing units. This framework ensures a strong and stable base, capable of supporting multiple units. The inclusion of prefabricated L-angle assemblies enhances the efficiency of construction. This design allows for self-supporting cells, enabling wide spans that can create diverse interior layouts while maintaining a unified look throughout the development.

Community Spaces

The design incorporates the "Zero Commuting Concept," which combines living and working areas. This idea reduces the time and effort needed for commuting, creating a more integrated lifestyle. Communal spaces and well-planned circulation routes are included to foster social interactions among residents. This layout encourages a sense of belonging, enhancing the living experience.

Infrastructure Integration

Concrete service towers are positioned within the design to house necessary infrastructure such as lifts and staircases. These towers help keep the services separate from living spaces, which makes it easier for residents to navigate their environment. This arrangement reflects an understanding of how to organize essential functions without compromising the residential experience.

The attention to modular design, community engagement, and thoughtful infrastructure results in a residential environment that is responsive to urban needs. Each aspect of the project works together to create a practical and efficient space for modern living, extending the possibilities of urban housing.

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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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