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Ecological Islands Promoting Flexible Living in Micro Spaces

Authors:
Peiling He, Chengnuo Song
Ecological Islands Promoting Flexible Living in Micro Spaces
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Constructed as ecological islands, these micro homes utilize efficient modularity and flexible layouts to provide functional living spaces for families in quarantine.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed as ecological islands to enhance sustainable living.
02
Modular components allow for quick assembly by two people.
03
Flexible layouts adapt to daily routines, social gatherings, and leisure activities.
04
Designed specifically for quarantine situations in urban environments.
05
Emphasis on maximizing storage within compact living spaces.

The design focuses on addressing the urgent challenges brought about by the recent pandemic, particularly in Wuhan, a city that has faced significant restrictions due to social distancing. The concept revolves around micro homes that act as "ecological islands," providing safe and functional living environments for families in quarantine. The primary aim is to create practical and sustainable spaces that can be quickly deployed to meet immediate housing needs.

Design Efficiency

The micro homes are built using factory-produced components, which allows them to be assembled quickly. Typically, two people can complete the construction in about two weeks. This speed is essential during emergencies when rapid housing solutions are necessary. The use of prefabrication reflects a modern approach to construction, making it possible to provide housing in a practical manner.

Flexible Living Spaces

Each micro home features three main layouts: Daily Mode, Social Mode, and Sports and Leisure Mode. Daily Mode caters to the everyday needs of couples, maximizing storage through modular furniture. As restrictions ease, the Social Mode allows for gatherings, with a layout that can be reconfigured to accommodate more people. The Sports and Leisure Mode includes sufficient space for physical activities, promoting health and well-being during isolation.

Material Considerations

While the specific materials are not detailed in the presentation, the design implies the use of space-efficient and durable components. The emphasis on modularity suggests lightweight solutions that support both the speedy construction process and adaptability for different living arrangements.

The design responds thoughtfully to the needs of families facing isolation. It combines practicality, sustainability, and community interaction in a compact form. Features such as flexible layouts and efficient space utilization highlight a careful consideration of modern living realities, resulting in a design that prioritizes comfort and function.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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