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Concrete Towers Surrounded by Green Spaces with Wooden Terraces

Authors:
Andreas maximilian Hetz, Heiko bonaventura billhard Schulte
Concrete Towers Surrounded by Green Spaces with Wooden Terraces

Project in-detail

Rising concrete towers frame a series of wooden terraces that provide expansive views of green spaces, creating a community-oriented residential complex designed to enhance urban living in London.
5 key facts about this project
01
Concrete elevator towers enhance vertical access while minimizing noise from nearby railway infrastructure.
02
Wooden terraces provide residents with direct views of adjacent green spaces, promoting a connection to nature.
03
The residential units feature multiple entry points, facilitating smooth movement within the complex.
04
A two-storey collective street encourages social interaction through shared facilities like kitchens and workshops.
05
Sustainable design principles incorporate low-impact materials that align with urban living requirements.

The project addresses the increasing need for urban housing in London, particularly in Hackney Downs. It focuses on integrating living spaces with the existing railway infrastructure and nearby public parks. The design concept features a stacked and terraced arrangement that elevates residential units above the noise of the railway, creating an environment that connects people with green spaces in the city.

Design Concept

The architectural strategy takes advantage of elevation to provide expansive views of the surrounding park. By raising the living spaces, the design maintains the integrity of the existing urban landscape and optimizes the use of land without infringing upon essential open areas. This thoughtful arrangement allows residents to enjoy proximity to nature while living in a bustling urban setting.

Structural Elements

Concrete elevator towers play a significant role in connecting the residential units to the railway system. The primary structure incorporates wooden ceiling panels and a wooden pre-fabricated column-beam grid. These materials offer structural support and add a warm, inviting character to the interior spaces. The choice of these elements reflects a balance between functionality and aesthetics, enhancing the overall experience of living in the building.

Living Configurations

Diverse apartment layouts are featured in the design. Two-sided units maximize natural light, providing substantial views of the parkland. Multiple entry points facilitate easy access to the apartments, promoting smooth mobility throughout the building. This design encourages residents to engage with each other, fostering a sense of community within the structure.

Community Spaces

Shared areas are integrated along a collective street situated in the sky. This two-storey high space includes features such as a book room, communal kitchen, and workshops. These amenities support social interactions among residents while allowing for practical activities. The design creates an environment where people can gather and share experiences, enhancing the sense of belonging within the community.

The project reflects a balanced blend of urban life and nature. The terraces open to green spaces, inviting residents to connect with their surroundings. Each element is carefully designed to improve the quality of life for those who call this place home.

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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
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