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Elevated Living Spaces with Sustainable Timber and Aluminum Facades Over Urban Infrastructure

Authors:
Napaskorn Charoenchim, Preradon Pimpakan, Nut Hoontrakul
Elevated Living Spaces with Sustainable Timber and Aluminum Facades Over Urban Infrastructure

Project in-detail

Elevated residential units built atop existing bridge structures utilize sustainable timber, aluminum facades, and green roofs to create a unique urban living experience while enhancing community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated residential units are constructed atop existing bridge structures, enhancing urban space utilization.
02
The design incorporates sustainable timber and aluminum materials for improved environmental performance.
03
Green roofs and communal areas foster community engagement and biodiversity in an urban setting.
04
A double skin façade enhances thermal and acoustic comfort, reducing energy consumption.
05
Modular unit configurations allow for flexible living arrangements catering to diverse family sizes.
The Abode Above project is a residential design positioned atop existing bridge structures over the Yarra River in Melbourne, Australia. This architectural initiative responds to urban density challenges by repurposing underutilized spaces, effectively integrating residential living within a bustling metropolitan context. The project emphasizes sustainability, community interaction, and innovative spatial usage, allowing it to stand apart from conventional residential developments.

Unique Design Integration with Existing Infrastructure
The Abode Above takes an innovative approach by utilizing bridge architecture as its foundation for residential units. This design philosophy maximizes limited urban space while maintaining structural integrity. By placing modular housing units on top of bridges, the project fosters connectivity and interaction with the surrounding environment, promoting a sense of community among residents. The elevated structure not only provides panoramic views of the Yarra River but also encourages natural ventilation and daylight penetration, enhancing the living experience.

The integration of communal green roofs and public interaction zones further differentiates this project from typical residential designs. These spaces serve as social hubs, allowing residents to engage with one another and the environment, reinforcing community ties. The incorporation of planting boxes and sustainable landscaping aligns with ecological principles, promoting biodiversity in an urban setting.

Sustainable Material Choices and Architectural Features
The project is characterized by a thoughtful selection of materials that support sustainability and energy efficiency. Sustainable timber plays a significant role in the structural and aesthetic elements, offering warmth while reducing environmental impact. The use of aluminum perforated sheets in the façade promotes light modulation and ventilation, addressing thermal comfort and acoustic concerns.

Expansive glass panels facilitate connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing residents to experience their environment fully. The double skin façade design enhances energy performance by minimizing heat loss and improving acoustic performance, which is critical in a densely populated urban area. Additionally, thermal insulation is strategically applied to maintain interior comfort throughout varying climatic conditions.

The architectural plans, sections, and details of the Abode Above reflect a deep understanding of urban context and sustainable practices. The unique combination of innovative use of space, environmentally sensitive design, and community-oriented features presents a compelling solution to contemporary urban living challenges.

For further details on the architectural designs, sections, and plans of the Abode Above, readers are encouraged to explore the project's presentation. Engaging with these materials will provide deeper insights into the architecture and design approaches that define this noteworthy project.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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