Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Elevated Modular Housing With Steel Framework and Transparent Facades Amidst Urban Greenery

Author:
Callum Tinkler
Elevated Modular Housing With Steel Framework and Transparent Facades Amidst Urban Greenery

Project in-detail

Elevated modular housing constructed using a steel framework and prefabricated panels integrates transparent facades with community-centric public spaces to address urban living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated modular units integrate green roofs to enhance biodiversity.
02
Transparent facades optimize natural light and visual connectivity.
03
Prefabricated panels enable rapid assembly and flexibility in layout.
04
Community markets are strategically located within public spaces.
05
Steel framework supports resilience against urban climate challenges.

## Overview

Located along the Mystic River in Massachusetts, the proposal aims to address urban displacement and socio-economic disparities through a flexible architectural approach. The design considers the complex historical and socio-economic narratives of the area while prioritizing modularity and community-oriented living. The intention is to create a resilient housing solution that adapts to the evolving needs of residents and encourages social interaction.

## Spatial Strategy and Community Integration

This proposal adopts a modular structure that accommodates varied living arrangements, facilitating adaptability in response to economic changes. By organizing the housing units into interconnected clusters, the design fosters a sense of community through shared public spaces. Key features include market areas, recreational facilities, and pedestrian pathways, which enhance connectivity and promote social engagement among diverse user groups. The layout is intentionally designed to mitigate isolation and encourage community participation.

## Material Selection and Sustainability Focus

The material palette is carefully chosen to support both aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability. The use of a steel framework provides robust structural integrity for the modular components, while prefabricated panels in varied colors contribute to a visually engaging façade. Glass facades enhance transparency and natural lighting, creating inviting interior environments. Concrete underpins the project’s durability, and wood accents in communal areas lend warmth to the overall atmosphere. This assortment of materials not only reduces carbon footprints but also aligns with the project’s commitment to integrating with the local environmental context.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy