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Elevated Living Clusters Utilizing Container Modules Within Urban Bridges

Author:
Jurie Swart
Elevated Living Clusters Utilizing Container Modules Within Urban Bridges

Project in-detail

Elevated living clusters utilize container modules to transform underused urban bridge spaces into affordable housing, fostering community interaction and sustainable urban development.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated living units are integrated into existing urban bridges.
02
Modular container design allows for flexible and varied housing configurations.
03
Internal walkways enhance connectivity and community interaction among residents.
04
The project addresses flood risks by elevating residential spaces above water levels.
05
Unique views of the Hudson and East Rivers are offered from all living units.

The design is set in New York City, where bridges provide a unique opportunity to create new living spaces. The focus is on finding ways to use limited urban resources, addressing the need for affordable housing. By repurposing underused areas around these bridges, the project aims to develop community-focused homes. The guiding idea is based on the concept of "Khôra," which envisions a living environment that fosters connections among residents while reflecting the character of the city.

Integration with Urban Infrastructure

This approach uses the existing city structure to offer additional housing options. By looking at bridges as potential residential areas, the design seeks to tackle the ongoing housing shortage. The spaces under and around these bridges are often overlooked, but this plan aims to highlight them, adding to the city's visual landscape. The design creates a working relationship between the living spaces and their surroundings, enhancing the urban experience.

Modularity and Flexibility

Central to the design is the use of modular units that can be arranged in different ways. These tailored containers serve as adaptable living spaces, suitable for families or individuals. The flexibility of the design allows for a range of apartment types, including one to three-bedroom units. This variety caters to different household needs and promotes diverse community living. Each unit can stand alone but is also part of a larger connected environment.

Community and Connectivity

Connectivity is a major focus, with internal walkways that link the various residential units. This pathway encourages residents to interact, helping to build a sense of community within the development. The design recognizes that homes are more than mere shelter; they are part of a social fabric. By encouraging engagement, the layout fosters relationships and interaction among residents, making the living experience richer and more supportive.

Environmental Context and Responsiveness

Attention to environmental issues is present in the design. By elevating living spaces above potential flood zones, safety concerns are addressed. This design choice also allows residents to enjoy wider views of the Hudson and East Rivers, enhancing their overall living experience. The project aims to balance practical needs with ecological awareness, ensuring a thoughtful approach to urban living.

The project results in unique living clusters that relate to the surrounding bridges. Each cluster forms a community that combines individual spaces with communal areas. This design offers more than just housing; it enhances urban life, providing residents with both shelter and a connection to the city's life.

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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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