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Cube-Like Structures with Integrated Green Spaces and Solar Panels for Flexible Urban Living

Authors:
Kathleen Hogan, Michael Da Silva, Matthew Imperato
Cube-Like Structures with Integrated Green Spaces and Solar Panels for Flexible Urban Living

Project in-detail

Cube structures with concrete frames and customizable paneling integrate open voids and green spaces, facilitating flexible living arrangements for relocated families in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cube modules allow for up to 36 customizable units per household.
02
Integrated open voids provide flexible community spaces for social interaction.
03
Paneling options include solar cells for energy efficiency.
04
Design incorporates input from families to reflect individual needs.
05
Concrete frames support adaptability for future urban growth.

The project addresses the challenge of urban migration in China, focusing on the relocation of farmers to urban districts. It requires a housing solution that integrates rural lifestyles into an urban context, fostering a connection between these two ways of living. The design concept centers on a modular housing system that promotes flexibility and adaptability, allowing it to respond to changing needs over time.

Modular Design Approach

The housing units are designed as cube structures supported by a concrete frame. This structure provides stability and durability while allowing for individual customization. People can personalize their spaces with various paneling options, including glass, solar cells, Hardie panel siding, metal paneling, wood, foliage, and brick veneer. This approach enables residents to tailor their environments to their specific preferences and functional requirements.

Community Integration

Each housing unit considers input from its occupants. Families can modify layouts and façades to reflect their needs, with households comprising up to 36 cube modules. This design promotes an adaptable arrangement, including void spaces that can serve future public or private purposes. These open areas contribute to a sense of community, allowing for gatherings and interactions among residents.

Adaptive Living Spaces

The project accommodates various living situations to support diverse family structures. A growing family might use some units for storage or a garage, while single occupants can adapt their spaces for personal use, such as bike storage. This flexible approach facilitates growth over time, with units evolving naturally according to residents' needs. Additionally, communal spaces are integrated into the design, offering opportunities for markets and green areas that enhance social connections.

The thoughtful configuration of modular units promotes interaction while maintaining private living spaces. The project emphasizes sustainability, allowing spaces to be adapted or reconfigured without disrupting the overall structure. Roof gardens and shared green areas not only support biodiversity but also contribute to the well-being of the community. The architecture reflects an understanding of both urban and rural contexts, providing housing that meets contemporary needs.

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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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