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Elevated Green Spaces With Recycled Steel and Sustainable Wood Cladding In Modular Community Design

Authors:
Jiajing Gao, Xingjie Xie
Elevated Green Spaces With Recycled Steel and Sustainable Wood Cladding In Modular Community Design

Project in-detail

Constructed with modular units of recycled steel and sustainable wood cladding, this community-focused design integrates elevated green spaces to enhance urban living while promoting social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using recycled steel, minimizing environmental impact.
02
Modular units provide flexible configurations for diverse community needs.
03
Elevated walkways connect living spaces, promoting social interaction.
04
Green roofs enhance biodiversity and reduce urban heat.
05
Incorporates natural ventilation systems to optimize energy efficiency.

The architectural project titled "2120 MY COMMUNITY" presents a dynamic approach to urban living through modular design. This initiative conceives a residential space that fosters community interaction while accommodating diverse living requirements. The design focuses on the efficient use of space and materials, creating a sustainable environment that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.

The fundamental concept of this project revolves around modularity. By employing modular units stacked in a spiral formation, the architecture enables flexibility in configuration. This design allows for both private living spaces and communal areas to coexist, promoting social engagement among residents. Each module is designed to leverage natural light and ventilation, enhancing the living experience while reducing energy consumption.

Key Features of the Project

This project stands out due to its commitment to sustainability and community-centric design. The integration of various innovative features sets it apart:

- Modular Construction: The use of prefabricated units allows for rapid assembly and the flexibility to adapt to future changes in the community's needs. Each unit can be altered in size and configuration without significant disruption to the overall structure.

- Structural Materials: The project utilizes aluminum framing and recycled steel for strength and durability, while glass panels maximize natural light within the living spaces. Wooden cladding adds warmth and connects the architecture to its natural surroundings.

- Sustainability Initiatives: Incorporating green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems emphasizes environmental responsibility. These features support ecological balance and contribute to reduced urban heat.

- Connectivity and Mobility: An intricate network of light rails, elevated walkways, and pedestrian paths enhances connectivity within the project. This design approach prioritizes sustainable transportation options, encouraging an active lifestyle among residents.

Innovative Design Principles

The architectural design leverages several unique principles that contribute to its overall functionality. First, the emphasis on public spaces integrates areas for communal gatherings, contributing to the social fabric of the community. This encourages interactions between residents, fostering a sense of belonging.

Natural ventilation and smart positioning of windows minimize the need for artificial lighting and cooling, promoting energy efficiency throughout the year. The design also includes comprehensive waste management systems that support recycling and composting, which further aligns with the community's sustainable ethos.

The architectural ideas exhibited in "2120 MY COMMUNITY" reflect a comprehensive understanding of modern urban dynamics. By emphasizing modular living, this project not only addresses housing needs but also creates a model for sustainable living.

For those interested in further exploring this project, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, and overall designs can provide deeper insights into the innovative approaches taken in this community-focused initiative. Engage with the specifics of the project to fully appreciate its contribution to contemporary architecture and urban living.

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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

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