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Connecting Urban Life Through Thoughtful Atrium Design and Modular Living Spaces

Authors:
Sandro Siefert, Tobias Schmidt, To be determined To be determined
Connecting Urban Life Through Thoughtful Atrium Design and Modular Living Spaces

Project in-detail

The carefully designed atrium at the center fosters community interaction, while modular living spaces offer residents a balance of privacy and shared experiences in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The atrium serves as a central hub for social interaction among residents.
02
Modular living spaces allow for flexible configurations tailored to individual needs.
03
The design aligns with significant urban skyline elements, enhancing visual connectivity.
04
Public volumes are strategically placed to create new lines of sight throughout the building.
05
The facade integrates elements that promote both transparency and privacy for occupants.

The architectural design is situated in Frankfurt, an urban area known for its limited land availability. The design is based on a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional courtyard house. The aim is to combine public and private spaces while allowing for communal living. This concept addresses the challenges of modern city life, creating an environment that encourages interaction among residents while also considering their need for personal space.

Lines of Sight

The design thoughtfully addresses the relationship between the building and the surrounding city. Public volumes are aligned with key urban elements, generating fresh perspectives that enhance how people experience the space. The upper parts of the skyscraper engage with the existing skyline, providing views that encourage exploration and interaction with the environment.

Atrium Functionality

At the center of the building is the atrium, which acts as a gathering space and a connective hub. It facilitates movement throughout the structure and serves as a meeting point for residents, helping to create a sense of community. The design also includes express lifts that are focused on public access, which simplifies circulation between levels and enhances the building's overall usability.

Modular Living Spaces

The living areas are designed in a modular way, allowing for flexible arrangements that meet different occupant needs. Each unit is structured with separate sections for essential activities such as cooking and bathing, while also providing shared spaces for social interaction. This layout not only respects individual privacy but also promotes community engagement, enriching the residential experience.

Facade Design

The facade raises important considerations about the balance between visibility and privacy. It engages both pedestrians and residents by revealing parts of the building's internal environment while still allowing for necessary seclusion. This element is both functional and visually interesting, as it enhances light and shadow play, inviting passersby to discover more about the space within.

The design offers a thoughtful response to the needs of urban living, where communal interaction and personal privacy are well-coordinated. Details such as the carefully arranged facade and selective openings promote a connection to the building and the surrounding urban landscape. Residents are encouraged to engage with both the structure and the city, blending practicality with an enriching experience.

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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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