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Elevated Residential Units with Vertical Gardens and Eco-Friendly Materials in Urban Space

Authors:
Livia Zanelli de Morais, Thamires Bressan, Gabriel Costa Macorin, Eduardo Rodrigues Ferreira
Elevated Residential Units with Vertical Gardens and Eco-Friendly Materials in Urban Space

Project in-detail

Elevated above urban railway lines, the modular housing units incorporate vertical gardens and sustainable materials, effectively transforming unused space into a vibrant community living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Housing units are elevated above railway lines, maximizing otherwise underutilized urban spaces.
02
The design incorporates modular units that can be easily expanded or reconfigured to meet diverse resident needs.
03
Vertical gardens are integrated into the facade, promoting biodiversity and enhancing air quality.
04
Sustainable materials such as metal cladding and cement boards are utilized for long-term durability and low maintenance.
05
Community and shared spaces are strategically designed to foster social interaction among residents.
The project "REDE: A Housing Network" represents a thoughtful approach to addressing the pressing urban housing crisis in densely populated areas, particularly in cities like New York. This architectural project is designed to provide sustainable housing solutions while making efficient use of underutilized urban spaces, specifically the areas above railway infrastructure. By tackling the critical issue of housing shortages, the project aims to integrate residential living with other essential urban functions, promoting a cohesive urban environment that fosters community and accessibility.

At its core, the design serves multiple functions, including providing an innovative housing model that can adapt to various family structures and circumstances, enhancing social interaction through communal spaces, and utilizing vertical space for residential purposes. The project presents a modular housing system, where living units are configured as five-by-five-meter modules. This modularity allows for flexible layouts that can be tailored according to the specific needs of residents. The ability to expand or modify living spaces not only enhances the quality of life for families but also fosters a sense of ownership and belonging within the community.

The thoughtful selection of materials underpins the project’s commitment to sustainability and functionality. Key materials include concrete, metal cladding, cement boards, and glass, each chosen for their specific properties that enhance both performance and aesthetics. Concrete provides structural integrity and durability, while metal cladding offers a lightweight exterior that can be easily manipulated in design. Cement boards serve as practical yet attractive outer walls, combining affordability with insulation benefits. The use of glass optimizes natural light, thereby creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring residents maintain a connection to the vibrant urban context surrounding them. In addition, the incorporation of greenery and planters on terraces and vertical surfaces not only enhances the visual appeal but also promotes environmental quality by improving air circulation and cooling the local climate.

Unique design approaches are evident throughout the project, particularly in the integration of housing above railway lines. This innovative use of space highlights the potential for maximizing urban density without infringing upon essential transport routes. By elevating residential units, the project recognizes the importance of strategic urban planning and the relationship between housing and transportation networks. This design solution contributes to the city’s vibrancy while offering opportunities for community engagement and social interaction in what are traditionally overlooked spaces.

Another significant aspect of REDE is its focus on mixed-income housing. The project is designed to cater to residents across various income levels, promoting social equity within urban settings. By providing diverse housing options, the design encourages a sense of community that minimizes socio-economic segregation often seen in densely populated areas. The inclusion of communal facilities, such as shared gardens and public squares, fosters interaction among residents, enhancing the overall living experience.

The architectural designs effectively support these objectives, blending practicality with aesthetics. The resulting visual language of REDE reflects a cohesive unit that integrates seamlessly into its environment. Various architectural plans and sections detail the spatial organization and flow, ensuring that each element serves a functional purpose while contributing to the project’s overarching goals. Aspects like modular configurations are carefully considered to balance personal space with communal areas, promoting both privacy and social engagement.

Readers interested in exploring REDE further are encouraged to review the architectural plans and sections, as well as the unique architectural designs that illuminate the project’s innovative housing concepts. The detailed visual materials offer insights into the architectural ideas representing the future of urban living, showcasing how such projects can effectively address the housing challenges faced by modern cities. Through this thoughtful analysis of REDE: A Housing Network, viewers can appreciate how architecture plays a vital role in shaping sustainable and inclusive urban environments.
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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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