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Elevated Living Above Urban Parking With Photovoltaic Panels

Author:
Jason Pelaez
Elevated Living Above Urban Parking With Photovoltaic Panels

Project in-detail

Rising above urban parking spaces, the design incorporates photovoltaic panels and a compact upper living area with a balcony, effectively creating affordable residential units.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes existing urban parking spaces for affordable housing.
02
Elevated structure preserves parking functionality below.
03
Incorporates photovoltaic panels for renewable energy.
04
Features an insulated envelope for improved energy efficiency.
05
Includes a balcony that enhances outdoor living experience.

The Aparkment is situated in urban areas that are facing challenges with affordable housing. It takes advantage of underused parking spaces to create practical living units. The design addresses the need for housing while utilizing existing city infrastructure. By doing so, it brings new life to neighborhoods, providing a modern living solution that reflects current urban realities.

Design Concept
The design fits within the dimensions of a standard European parallel parking space. By raising the unit on structural steel columns, it maintains the functionality of the parking area below while creating a livable space above. This solution allows for efficient use of limited urban space. It also offers the potential for future changes as needs on the ground shift and grow.

Spatial Organization
Inside, the layout is thoughtful and maximizes every square meter. The main living area includes a kitchen and a bathroom, essential for day-to-day living. An upper level provides sleeping arrangements, storage options, a workspace, and a balcony. This configuration is both practical and inviting, catering to the lifestyle of modern urban residents.

Sustainability Features
Sustainability is an important part of the design. The Aparkment is fully electric and features a well-insulated shell that helps conserve energy. On the roof, photovoltaic panels gather sunlight to provide power for the unit. Rainwater is managed through a specialized drainage system, which directs water into a planter on the balcony. This not only serves a functional purpose but also adds greenery to the urban environment.

Design Detail
A balcony extends the living space while fostering a connection to the city outside. It provides an outdoor area for relaxation and socializing. This detail enhances the overall living experience, allowing residents to enjoy fresh air and views while remaining a part of their vibrant community.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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