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Elevated Living Spaces with Precast Concrete and Glass Facades in Urban Environments

Author:
Zonglin Pi
Elevated Living Spaces with Precast Concrete and Glass Facades in Urban Environments

Project in-detail

Elevating residential units above ground, this design incorporates modular living spaces with precast concrete and glass facades, fostering a vibrant community hub in a dense urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated living spaces utilize a modular design approach for flexibility.
02
Ground-level areas are dedicated to public interaction and communal activities.
03
Integration of biophilic elements features greenery throughout the structure.
04
Precast concrete components enhance construction efficiency and sustainability.
05
Glass facades maximize natural light while maintaining transparency with the urban environment.

## Overview

The Inverted Tower of Babel is situated in an urban context characterized by high-density living and diverse communities. It addresses the critical need for affordable housing while creating a vibrant public space that fosters interaction and engagement among residents and visitors. The design serves as a structural and conceptual bridge, encouraging communication and unity across different societal groups.

## Spatial Strategy

The design features an innovative spatial strategy that elevates living quarters above ground level, transforming the lower levels into accessible public spaces. This arrangement facilitates various activities, including social events, markets, and recreational areas, prioritizing interaction among residents and visitors. The approach enhances community engagement and mitigates the physical limitations typically associated with vertical living structures.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The architectural framework employs a diverse array of materials that serve both structural integrity and aesthetic purposes. Concrete provides the necessary strength, while glass facades enhance transparency and natural light within living spaces. Steel supports elevated modules, ensuring stability, and wood is used for interior finishes, contributing warmth and comfort. The project's biophilic design incorporates terraces and gardens, reintroducing nature into urban living and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. Overall, the materials chosen reflect a commitment to minimizing the ecological footprint while maximizing utility.

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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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