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Elevated Living in Natural Stone and Reinforced Concrete Amidst Flood Resilience Strategies

Author:
Ksenia Davydova
Elevated Living in Natural Stone and Reinforced Concrete Amidst Flood Resilience Strategies

Project in-detail

Elevated structures of reinforced concrete and natural stone form a resilient community that embraces water management strategies, providing sustainable urban living in a flood-prone landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design protects residential spaces from urban flooding while enhancing accessibility.
02
Integrated rainwater harvesting systems reduce reliance on municipal water sources.
03
Communal green spaces are interwoven with water features for effective stormwater management.
04
Utilizes natural stone and reinforced concrete to ensure durability and sustainability.
05
Focuses on community engagement through multifunctional outdoor areas that foster social interaction.
The project "Reimagining the Adverse Environment" tackles the pressing challenge of urban flooding within the context of London, particularly focusing on vulnerable areas such as Tower Hamlets, which is at risk from the River Thames. This architectural initiative represents a thoughtful response to the multiple pressures of climate change, urban density, and community engagement, creating a paradigm for future urban projects.

Serving primarily as a residential complex, the project aims to accommodate diverse living situations, with 345 units designed for individuals and couples, alongside 67 family-sized units. The architecture prioritizes not only shelter but also a sense of community, with central green spaces and communal areas that promote social interaction among residents. The design embraces the need for urban resilience while simultaneously fostering community ties.

Several important design features emphasize the project's unique approach to urban living. The buildings are strategically elevated to mitigate the risks posed by potential flooding, ensuring that residents remain safe during adverse weather conditions. This elevation is a defining characteristic of the architecture, as it creates a strong visual separation from the potential water hazards nearby, while still maintaining accessibility through carefully designed pathways and entrances.

The incorporation of an intricate water management system further underscores the project's commitment to sustainability. Rainwater is harvested from rooftops and directed toward a central reservoir, where it undergoes treatment for reuse in various household applications, such as irrigation and toilet flushing. This innovative approach not only alleviates pressure on municipal water supplies but also serves as an educational feature, raising awareness about water conservation among residents and visitors.

The use of materials in the project has been selected to enhance both the aesthetic and functional qualities of the architecture. Reinforced concrete forms the backbone of the structures, providing durability and strength, while large expanses of glazing ensure ample natural light in living spaces, improving the overall quality of life. The landscape features include expanses of natural stone and green roofs that not only contribute to biodiversity but also play a crucial role in managing stormwater effectively. This integration of natural elements into the urban fabric is a hallmark of the design, contributing to a harmonious relationship between the built environment and nature.

The architectural layout is another critical aspect of the project. It consists of a series of interconnected structures that eschew monolithic forms for a more varied composition, which fosters an engaging streetscape and accommodates various communal activities. The design ensures that these shared spaces are multifunctional, encouraging outdoor gatherings, recreational activities, and community events. By doing so, the architecture not only provides homes but also cultivates a sense of belonging and ownership among residents.

Moreover, the careful planning of communal areas, such as parks that feature small ponds, highlights the intended relationship with water. These ponds serve not just as aesthetic features, but are functional elements designed to manage excess rainfall. They enhance the ecological value of the site while being educational tools for residents, illustrating the importance of water management in urban settings.

This project embodies a nuanced understanding of contemporary architectural challenges while presenting a vision for resilient urban living. By reimagining urban spaces in flood-prone areas, it creates a viable blueprint for future developments. The design ultimately serves as a reminder of the potential of architecture to address environmental issues while fostering human connections within communities. For those interested in exploring the intricacies of this architectural endeavor, detailed architectural plans, sections, and design ideas are available for review, providing deeper insights into how these concepts were actualized within the project framework.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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