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Concrete Slabs and Core-Activated Ceilings in Flexible Urban Living

Authors:
Philipp Neher, Natalie Lenz
Concrete Slabs and Core-Activated Ceilings in Flexible Urban Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with pre-fabricated concrete slabs and equipped with core-activated ceilings, the design offers flexible urban living solutions while enhancing energy efficiency and comfort in a mixed-use community setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pre-fabricated concrete slabs enable quick on-site assembly.
02
Core-activated ceilings provide year-round thermal regulation.
03
Wide terraces enhance natural ventilation and light.
04
Stilted ground floor accommodates parking and commercial spaces.
05
Modular design allows for flexible apartment configurations.

The Balboa Green project at Balboa Park Station represents a thoughtful approach to urban residential living, located in a lively community setting. The design combines various apartment types to meet the needs of different residents, including singles, couples, and families. The central idea focuses on flexibility and adaptability, allowing living spaces to evolve over time.

Modular Design Approach

The design centers on a single unit that can serve multiple purposes, allowing apartments to be stacked, coupled, and expanded. This modular nature provides a range of configurations, making it easy to accommodate different household sizes and types. Residents can modify their spaces, adding rooms or even creating additional stories as their needs change, keeping the design relevant throughout different life stages.

Spatial Configuration

The project features two parallel rows of apartments, each with broad terraces that enhance natural light and airflow. This layout contributes to a comfortable living environment and encourages interactions among neighbors. The elevated ground floor is designed for flexibility, incorporating parking and technical areas while also allowing for commercial spaces, effectively linking residential life to local businesses.

Construction Efficiency and Sustainability

Efficiency is a key aspect of the construction process. Pre-fabricated methods are employed, using concrete slabs that come equipped with necessary systems, allowing for quicker assembly on site. The outer walls are also pre-made for easy installation. Sustainability is a significant focus, with solar panels on the roofs generating energy for the units. Battery systems support personal energy needs and enable sharing excess energy back to the grid, promoting sustainable living.

Thermal Regulation Systems

To ensure comfort throughout the year, core-activated ceilings help to regulate heating and cooling. This feature not only enhances the living experience but also aligns with the overall energy-efficient goals of the design. Each apartment includes a private entrance patio, creating individual outdoor spaces within the community. This thoughtful addition reflects a balance of personal privacy while fostering connections within the shared living environment.

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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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