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Elevated Living Above Transit With Engineered Wood and Polycarbonate Integration

Authors:
Harry Mills, Simon Dellosa, Cathy Hua
Elevated Living Above Transit With Engineered Wood and Polycarbonate Integration

Project in-detail

Constructed above railway corridors, this housing initiative utilizes engineered wood and polycarbonate elements to create a flexible and affordable living environment that enhances urban connectivity and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed directly above existing railway lines, maximizing land use efficiency.
02
Incorporates polycarbonate panels for enhanced natural light and energy performance.
03
Designed with modular residential units to adapt to changing community needs.
04
Integrates public plazas to foster social interaction among residents.
05
Utilizes engineered wood for structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.

### Project Overview
The Enclosing Tracks initiative is a housing strategy located near Newtown Station in Sydney, New South Wales, aimed at addressing urban density, lifestyle disparity, and housing affordability. By utilizing existing railway infrastructure, the proposal seeks to mitigate issues associated with urban expansion while enhancing community engagement and public amenities.

### Spatial Strategy
The architectural design features residential units constructed above elevated railway lines, promoting a modular structure that accommodates various household sizes. This arrangement is intended to optimize light and ventilation in each apartment, while allowing for flexible layouts. Public plaza areas are integrated into the design, fostering communal interaction and enhancing connectivity between different demographics through a thoughtfully interconnected urban fabric. A public walkway runs through the development, ensuring easy access to transportation hubs and promoting pedestrian and cyclist accessibility.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project employs a thoughtful selection of materials to emphasize sustainability and local craftsmanship. Engineered wood is used for its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, while polycarbonate panels facilitate natural light penetration with an energetic façade. Concrete forms the foundational elements, providing durability and resilience. This hybrid material approach not only enhances functional performance but also reinforces the integration with the surrounding environment, further contributing to the project’s sustainable objectives.

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

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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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