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Connected Living Through Shared Corridors and Community Laneways

Authors:
Michael Lu, Bianca Lee
Connected Living Through Shared Corridors and Community Laneways

Project in-detail

With a focus on shared corridors and community laneways, the design integrates connectivity within the residential framework to enhance co-living experiences in Burnaby's urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates intra-connecting corridors to promote resident interaction.
02
Features interconnections between homes to enhance community ties.
03
Utilizes shared commodity laneways for improved accessibility.
04
Designed for optimal residential density without sacrificing comfort.
05
Focuses on co-living principles to create vibrant social environments.

The Common Lane project is located in the Edmonds area of Burnaby, focusing on the need for affordable housing within the R5 residential blocks. The design emphasizes the idea of co-living, aiming to combine higher density with a comfortable living experience. By using an arcade format, the design encourages interaction among residents while allowing for personal space.

Design Strategy

The approach involves several key methods for improving connectivity among residents. First, intra-connecting corridors are integrated into individual units, making it easier for residents to move around. These corridors help strike a balance between privacy and community, allowing people to feel connected yet undisturbed.

Next, interconnected houses promote direct engagement between neighbors. This element of design fosters a stronger sense of community. Rich interactions can happen more easily, encouraging residents to communicate with one another and form bonds.

The project also includes shared commodity laneways that connect the blocks. This feature enhances movement and access to shared spaces. The laneways serve not only as pathways but also as areas where residents can gather. They help create a lively community atmosphere where people can meet and socialize.

The multi-level design of Common Lane encourages creativity in how residents use their spaces. The layout allows for flexible arrangements, prompting individuals to adapt their living spaces as needed. This adaptability supports a sense of belonging, making it easier for residents to connect within their neighborhood. A thoughtful mix of shared and private areas reflects an innovative approach to modern 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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