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Elevated Housing Clusters Supported by Steel Frames Above London Railways

Authors:
German Arismendi, Tamara Corts, Gonzalo Acuña
Elevated Housing Clusters Supported by Steel Frames Above London Railways

Project in-detail

Suspended above London's railway infrastructure, housing clusters supported by steel frames maximize urban space while providing an affordable living solution that fosters community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended housing clusters maximize use of railway space.
02
Steel frames provide structural support above active transit lines.
03
Configurations allow for modular adjustments based on community needs.
04
Elevated walkways enhance connectivity among residents.
05
Landscaped green areas promote social interaction and well-being.

The design integrates modular housing units above existing railway tracks in London, addressing the city's ongoing housing shortage. By utilizing underused urban space, the concept aims to provide affordable living options while enhancing community interaction. The project focuses on making the most of the built environment, creating a balance between residential needs and infrastructure.

Structural Approach

Steel portal frames support the housing clusters elevated above the railway lines. These frames connect to traditional load-bearing brick arches, maintaining a link to London's architectural history. This method ensures stability and allows for the construction of modern residential units in a challenging urban setting.

Community Integration

Elevated walkways link the housing units, encouraging residents to engage with one another. These pathways not only facilitate movement but also serve as social spaces where community members can gather. The presence of landscaped areas adds a crucial green component, enhancing well-being and fostering a sense of belonging among residents.

Modular Flexibility

The design features a modular approach, allowing for adjustments across various urban contexts. This flexibility helps address the diverse needs of different neighborhoods, enabling the housing units to adapt in density and layout. It offers a practical solution to the pressures of housing demand in the city.

Innovative Urban Landscape

This project reexamines the relationship between living spaces and transportation systems. Railways, often seen as barriers, are viewed here as opportunities to enhance urban life. By elevating housing above the tracks, the design optimizes space and encourages a cohesive living environment. The thoughtful integration of residential areas with existing infrastructure enriches city life and supports a better balance between urban living and transit access.

The culmination of these design choices results in residential clusters that blend with the urban landscape, providing functional living spaces while retaining connection to the historical fabric of the city.

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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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