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Container Living Solutions Enhanced by Micro Gantries

Author:
Julie Tse
Container Living Solutions Enhanced by Micro Gantries

Project in-detail

High-cube shipping containers are transformed through the integration of micro gantries to create adaptable housing solutions that address Sydney's pressing need for affordable living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
High-cube shipping containers are stacked vertically, maximizing limited urban land in Sydney.
02
Micro gantries provide structural support and shared access, enhancing flexibility in living arrangements.
03
Flexible configurations accommodate diverse lifestyles, including multi-generational living options.
04
The design incorporates a balance of public and private spaces, fostering community interaction.
05
Adaptable units can be easily modified to meet changing residential demands over time.

Crisis: Containable addresses the critical issue of affordable housing in Sydney, a city facing rising property prices and limited space. The design focuses on reusing high-cube shipping containers as residential units. This approach not only maximizes land use but also fosters connections within the community.

Design Strategy

Container living typologies are at the forefront of this design. They range from small units for individuals to larger spaces that cater to families. By using these adaptable living arrangements, the project meets the diverse needs of urban residents. Stacking the containers efficiently makes the most of available land, tackling the challenges of urban density.

Structural Innovations

Micro Gantries play a crucial role in this design. They provide access and support to the container structures. This system allows for effective weight distribution, which reduces stress on the containers themselves. The result is a flexible framework that enhances the living conditions while accommodating a variety of residential configurations.

Spatial Organization

The layout creates a careful balance between public and private spaces. This design concept encourages community interaction while respecting the need for personal privacy. Shared amenities invite social connections, while designated private areas allow for retreat. This balance reflects the complexities of modern urban life, where people seek both community and solitude.

Future Adaptability

Flexibility is an essential feature of the container units. They can be rearranged and modified to meet changing demands over time. This adaptability addresses the evolving needs of the population and ensures that the project remains relevant. The design promotes resilience in housing, responding to the shifts in living patterns.

The thoughtful use of color and texture on the container facades adds visual appeal. This enriches the urban environment, standing out against more traditional buildings while enhancing the overall streetscape.

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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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