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Elevated Living with Inward-Facing Terraces and Community Spaces

Author:
Kyle Hui
Elevated Living with Inward-Facing Terraces and Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Elevated housing units defined by inward-facing terraces and integrated community spaces provide a modern solution to London’s housing challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated housing integrates community spaces within a continuous loop design.
02
Inward-facing units enhance safety and encourage resident interaction.
03
Green ribbons along the upper levels promote ecological connectivity.
04
Configuration references historical London terraces while addressing modern needs.
05
The layout maximizes natural light and ventilation throughout the living spaces.

The design aims to tackle the housing challenges in London by bringing back the concept of terraced housing within a modern context. Located amid a backdrop of taller buildings, the proposal focuses on building a living environment that enhances community life and supports sustainability. By combining elements from London’s architectural history with present-day requirements, the design offers a practical solution for increasing the availability of housing.

Conceptual Framework
At the heart of the design is a plan to integrate traditional terraced houses into an elevated structure. This arrangement correlates with the surrounding high-rises but establishes a distinct identity. The layout creates a continuous loop of housing that connects mainly through shared spaces, with pockets of greenery woven throughout. This design fosters interaction, ensuring that residents feel connected to their community.

Community Spaces
The project emphasizes the importance of communal areas. A notable design feature is the green ribbon along the upper levels of the units. These outdoor spaces offer residents a place to gather and socialize. By encouraging this interaction, the design references the public spaces often found in older neighborhoods. The greenery also plays a vital role in promoting a healthier urban environment, contributing positively to residents' well-being.

Urban Integration
The arrangement of the housing units reflects a thoughtful approach to balancing private and communal living. The design caters to various needs, providing different types of homes that can accommodate a diverse population. It maintains a respectful connection to the historical architecture of London. This way, the project looks to avoid the common pitfalls seen in many high-density developments, instead enhancing the experience of living in the city.

The inward-facing layout promotes safety and a sense of belonging among residents. Each unit serves as a part of a larger community, where the design encourages active engagement. This cohesive neighborhood structure combines classic values of London living with the necessities of contemporary life, paving the way for a functional and inviting environment. Elements of architectural design are expected to resonate with the existing urban landscape, amplifying the project's overall character and charm.

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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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