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Elevated Structures with Sustainable Wood and Community-Centric Green Spaces

Author:
Agata Tomińska
Elevated Structures with Sustainable Wood and Community-Centric Green Spaces

Project in-detail

Elevated housing units constructed with sustainable wood integrate community gardens and renewable energy solutions, creating a resilient living environment along the coast.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design mitigates flooding risks in coastal settings.
02
Community gardens promote local food production among residents.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide natural weather resistance.
05
Open communal spaces encourage social interaction and collaboration.
The Self-Sufficient Green Affordable Hybrid Housing project focuses on creating a sustainable living environment in a coastal context. It integrates innovative architectural design principles with community-centric planning to address housing needs while enhancing ecological integrity. The structure showcases a modular design emphasizing adaptability, which allows for efficient use of space and self-sufficiency for residents.

The project is positioned to provide significant residential solutions, offering housing units that promote renewable resource usage and environmentally conscious living. By utilizing design strategies that connect residents with nature and encourage social interaction, the project aims to foster a strong sense of community while maintaining affordability.

Sustainable Design and Community Integration

A defining characteristic of this project is its commitment to sustainability. The architectural design incorporates passive and active energy strategies, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural ventilation techniques. The use of sustainable materials such as concrete, glass, steel, and wood reflects a prioritization of durability and ecological considerations. Green spaces are integral to the design, promoting urban agriculture through community gardens that allow residents to grow their own food, further supporting self-sufficiency.

The layout of the housing units facilitates social interaction among residents, creating shared spaces that serve communal purposes. These areas are designed to encourage collaboration and a sense of belonging, differentiating this project from traditional housing developments that often prioritize individual living spaces. The housing units themselves are configured in a way that maximizes views and minimizes the environmental footprint, aligning with best practices in modern architecture.

Versatile Architectural Solutions for Coastal Conditions

The architectural approach taken in the design is characterized by its responsiveness to the coastal environment. Elevated structures address potential flooding and mitigate the impact of rising sea levels, a vital consideration in today's changing climate. The elongated forms of the buildings mimic the shoreline’s natural orientation, providing an aesthetic continuity that blends with the landscape.

Architectural sections reveal a multi-layered design that not only enhances structural stability but also incorporates various functional spaces within each unit. The integration of outdoor living areas expands the usable space and connects occupants with the natural surroundings. This responsiveness to geography informs the overall aesthetic and practical functionality of the housing development.

Exploring the detailed architectural plans and sections will provide insight into the innovative design techniques and sustainability measures employed in this project. The architectural designs reflect an intention to create not just housing, but a framework for community living and environmental stewardship. For a deeper understanding of the design elements and architectural ideas, review the project presentation extensively.
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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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