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Elevated Limestone Arches and Transparent Glass in Riverfront Multifamily Housing

Authors:
Zhengda Hou, Kuan-yi Ho, Dichen Ding, Hsin-han Lee
Elevated Limestone Arches and Transparent Glass in Riverfront Multifamily Housing

Project in-detail

Elevated limestone arches create a distinctive structural presence while transparent glass facades enhance natural light and views, providing a modern solution for affordable riverfront housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design offers flood resistance while maximizing river views.
02
Arched structural elements provide both aesthetic and functional pedestrian pathways.
03
Diverse unit types accommodate a wide range of residents and living needs.
04
Transparent glass facades enhance natural light and visual connection to the environment.
05
Incorporates communal spaces to foster community interaction and engagement.
The "Seine Living" project in Paris presents a thoughtful architectural response to the pressing need for affordable housing within the urban landscape. This development integrates social and environmental objectives, occupying a strategic position along the Seine River. The project not only addresses the demand for varied housing options but also promotes engagement with the city’s historical and cultural context.

The design features a series of elevated multi-family dwellings, ensuring protection against potential flooding while providing residents with scenic views of the river and the surrounding urban area. The use of an arched structural system creates a robust framework that supports both the residential units and public pathways, fostering connectivity between different levels and spaces.

Unique Design Approaches
One of the distinguishing elements of this project is its innovative use of arches, which serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. The arches provide structural support while enabling pedestrian movement beneath the housing units, promoting an inclusive environment where public and private spaces coexist harmoniously. Unlike typical housing developments, the integration of public amenities and communal areas within the elevated platform enhances community interaction, positioning the design as a model for socially sustainable architecture.

Materiality is another key aspect of the architectural concept. The primary materials used include limestone for the façade on the street side, ensuring durability and continuity with traditional Parisian architecture, and glass on the river side, which allows for transparency and natural light. This combination of materials enhances the visual appeal of the project while also addressing practical concerns such as energy efficiency and maintenance.

Community Engagement Spaces
Central to the design is the incorporation of communal areas that facilitate social interaction. Public spaces interspersed throughout the development invite residents and visitors to engage in recreational activities and foster a sense of community. Such spaces, including cafes and gardens, are integral to the overall function of the project, promoting a lifestyle that values both privacy and connectivity.

The versatility of unit types—ranging from single apartments to family-oriented spaces—addresses diverse housing needs, making the development inclusive of various demographic groups. This thoughtful approach to unit typology adds to the project’s appeal and effectiveness as an affordable housing solution.

In summary, the "Seine Living" project exemplifies a thorough understanding of contemporary urban needs through a well-considered design approach focused on both functionality and community integration. For more detailed insights into the project, including architectural plans and sections, explore the presentation materials that provide a comprehensive overview of this architectural design.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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