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Curvilinear Community Housing Crafted from Sustainable Concrete and Glass

Author:
Jialing Ji
Curvilinear Community Housing Crafted from Sustainable Concrete and Glass

Project in-detail

Curvilinear forms blend concrete and glass to create a community housing environment that prioritizes social interaction and individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear design enhances spatial flow and interaction among residents.
02
Innovative use of concrete and glass maximizes natural light while providing durability.
03
Central courtyards serve as communal hubs, encouraging social engagement.
04
Diverse dwelling types cater to varying family sizes and cultural backgrounds.
05
Sustainable features include green walls that improve air quality and aesthetics.

The architectural design project in Melbourne focuses on the creation of affordable housing, specifically tailored to accommodate a diverse population while fostering community engagement. This development addresses the urgent need for social housing, emphasizing a balance between individual privacy and communal interaction. The project showcases a modern design philosophy that prioritizes both functionality and social dynamics.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The project's layout is structured around a master plan that optimizes both residential and communal spaces. Residential units are strategically arranged to maximize natural light and ventilation, while edge conditions provide visual and physical connections to public areas. Central courtyards and gardens serve as pivotal social hubs, encouraging residents to interact and build relationships within their community. Pathways facilitate movement through the site, emphasizing accessibility and inviting engagement among residents.

The design incorporates a variety of dwelling types to cater to different family sizes and socio-economic backgrounds. This diversity in housing options contributes to the project's aim of promoting inclusion. The overall arrangement of units creates a welcoming environment, significantly enhancing the day-to-day living experience for the residents.

Innovative Design Approaches

This project distinguishes itself through its approach to materiality and aesthetics. The use of concrete provides structural stability, while glass facades introduce transparency, allowing visual connections with the surrounding environment. The integration of wood in communal areas adds warmth and a tactile quality to the design, enhancing the overall atmosphere.

The architectural forms showcase curvilinear designs that break away from traditional linear models, introducing a sense of fluidity. This approach not only differentiates the project from standard developments but also facilitates natural gathering spaces that promote social interaction. The incorporation of green walls and plantings underscores the commitment to sustainability, enhancing aesthetic appeal and improving air quality.

Community-Centric Design Philosophy

The design emphasizes social cohesion by creating spaces that encourage cultural exchange and interaction among residents. By catering to the diverse needs of the community, the project actively seeks to mitigate tensions arising from cultural differences. This community-centered approach reflects a contemporary understanding of urban living, where spatial design actively contributes to social dynamics.

The project also incorporates features designed for adaptability, allowing adjustments over time to respond to evolving community needs. This flexibility positions the development not just as housing, but as a sustainable living environment that fosters growth, stability, and community engagement.

For further insights into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and the broader architectural ideas underpinning this project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for comprehensive details on its design and development.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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