Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Customizable Living Spaces with Shared Amenities in a Collaborative Community Model

Author:
Alena Pichugina
Customizable Living Spaces with Shared Amenities in a Collaborative Community Model

Project in-detail

A modular housing model with customizable living spaces and integrated communal amenities promotes collaboration and community engagement in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
A digital platform allows residents to design and customize their apartments from a selection of modular units.
02
The housing model incorporates prefabricated elements, streamlining the construction process and reducing build time.
03
Shared amenities include a communal living area, laundry facilities, and a fitness center to encourage social interaction.
04
Land plots are defined within a uniform planning grid, simplifying the navigation of urban development for residents.
05
Communal gardens and green spaces are integral to the design, enhancing residents' quality of life and promoting community engagement.

The design focuses on a community-centered housing model that facilitates user engagement through an innovative online platform. It aims to create adaptable living spaces that meet the needs of individuals while fostering a sense of belonging among residents. Located in an urban setting, the project addresses the growing demand for affordable housing solutions that encourage collaboration and interaction. By emphasizing customization and shared facilities, it offers a comprehensive approach to urban living.

Land Ownership

This housing model includes a system that provides accessible land plots, helping residents navigate urban development. Each plot comes with clear guidelines regarding construction limits and associated costs. This framework enables users to make informed choices about their living spaces while enhancing their involvement in the process.

Modular Design

The design uses a modular approach that allows for various apartment configurations. Residents can choose from multiple design modules using an online planner, personalizing their homes according to their preferences. This flexibility not only optimizes space use within the overall layout but also reflects individual tastes in design.

Shared Amenities

Integrating shared spaces is a key aspect of the design that encourages community involvement. The project features common areas like a living room, laundry facilities, and fitness spaces, catering to daily activities and promoting social interaction. The financing options for these shared amenities can differ, allowing for cooperative funding or rental agreements.

Construction Process

The construction emphasizes the use of prefabricated elements, which speeds up the assembly of housing units. Each modular component comes with straightforward instructions to guide the building process. This approach helps to reduce delays, ensuring that construction progresses smoothly and aligns with the cooperative ethos of the project.

Landscaping includes communal gardens and green spaces that play a significant role in enhancing the residents’ experiences. These outdoor areas offer opportunities for relaxation and socializing, creating a balanced relationship between the living environment and nature.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy