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Curvilinear Structures Embracing Recycled Concrete and Steel for Sustainable Urban Housing

Author:
Isaak James Benchoff
Curvilinear Structures Embracing Recycled Concrete and Steel for Sustainable Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing curvilinear forms, recycled concrete, and modular steel construction, the design creates adaptable urban housing that prioritizes community engagement and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear forms enhance natural light and circulation throughout the living spaces.
02
Recycled concrete elements are incorporated for both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
03
Modular design allows for flexible configurations to accommodate diverse family needs.
04
Outdoor loggias foster community interaction while providing sheltered gathering spaces.
05
Insulated panels optimize energy efficiency and thermal performance in urban environments.

**Project Overview**
The Saltivka: Kintsugi initiative presents a modular residential design that draws inspiration from Kintsugi, the Japanese tradition of repairing broken pottery. The project is situated in an urban environment where innovative housing solutions are essential due to socio-economic challenges. Embedded within its design is a philosophy that embraces imperfections, transforming perceived flaws into defining features.

**Modularity and Structural Design**
The architectural framework consists of modular building blocks optimized for flexibility and adaptability. A one-way vaulted slab system allows for effortless repairs and configurations within individual units, promoting sustainability and ease of maintenance. Additional design elements include strategically placed elevator shafts to facilitate circulation and integrated staircases for enhanced accessibility, reinforcing both safety and community interaction. The layout of interconnected units affords residents the opportunity to personalize their living spaces while maintaining a cohesive structural identity.

**Material Selection and Public Integration**
The material palette reflects a commitment to durability and environmental conscientiousness, featuring precast concrete for structural integrity, steel for flexibility, and wood and glass for aesthetic warmth and lightness. Innovative use of salvaged concrete enhances both the aesthetic qualities and the sustainable ethos of the project. Public engagement is fostered through expansive green areas and pedestrian walkways, facilitating communal interaction. Loggias provide covered spaces for social gatherings, while the inclusion of playgrounds and shared community areas further enhances spatial connectivity and cultural integration.

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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
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