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Curved Forms and Central Beams in Affordable Urban Living

Authors:
Paula Ramírez, Briseida Villagrán, Brandon Pérez
Curved Forms and Central Beams in Affordable Urban Living

Project in-detail

The combination of curved forms and central beam structures creates a cohesive living space that encourages community interaction while providing affordable housing for young professionals.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each apartment unit features a circular central beam, enhancing open space and flexibility.
02
Terraces utilize the rooftops of lower units, providing private outdoor areas without additional structural needs.
03
The design prioritizes rounded forms inspired by natural shells, promoting a sense of safety and comfort.
04
Hidden storage solutions are integrated throughout units, maximizing functional living space.
05
Community amenities include a multifunctional rooftop that fosters social interactions among residents.

The Kreis Project is designed as an affordable housing solution for young professional couples. Located in a bustling urban area, this development aims to create a sense of community while maximizing living space. The overall concept encourages shared experiences among residents by eliminating conventional boundaries between individual apartments, allowing for both personal privacy and communal interaction.

Design Concept

The building takes inspiration from the natural world, especially the rounded shapes of animal shells. This design approach is more than visual; it fosters feelings of safety and comfort. The curved lines throughout the project offer a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a considerate addition to the urban landscape. The design seeks to enhance the emotional well-being of those who live there, demonstrating how form can influence experience.

Structural Innovation

Within each apartment, a circular central beam provides vital support. This element allows for open floor plans by minimizing the need for traditional columns. It helps distribute weight effectively while making the living spaces feel more expansive. The round shear wall that connects to these beams adds stability to the structure, allowing for flexibility in how residents choose to arrange their homes.

Interior and Communal Spaces

Interiors are thoughtfully designed to combine practicality and comfort. Features such as hidden beds and storage help maximize the available space, creating an organized and cozy environment. Additionally, terraces utilize rooftops of lower apartments, giving residents access to outdoor areas for gardening or relaxation without adding extra structural complexity.

The design also emphasizes community through shared amenities. A spacious rooftop serves various functions, including fitness areas, study spaces, and recreational zones. This encourages residents to connect and engage with one another. The plan carefully balances private and public areas, making sure both are accessible and functional. This adaptability allows the building to serve its residents effectively while fitting well into the city's fabric. A significant design detail is how the project integrates personal and communal experiences, promoting interaction while respecting individual space.

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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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