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Elevated Timber Living With Flexible Housing Clusters

Authors:
Jorge manuel Brunetto, Sandro Capretti
Elevated Timber Living With Flexible Housing Clusters

Project in-detail

With a focus on vertical extension and the innovative use of Cross-Laminated Timber, this refurbishment transforms existing Plattenbauten into flexible housing clusters that accommodate diverse community needs in Berlin.
5 key facts about this project
01
CLT panels enhance the structural efficiency and sustainability of the vertical extension.
02
The project integrates diverse housing options, including co-living and elder clusters.
03
A central communal piazza fosters social interaction among residents.
04
Extensive use of existing infrastructure reduces land acquisition costs.
05
The design maintains green areas, supporting ecological balance in urban density.

Plattenbauten Reloaded aims to tackle the pressing need for affordable housing in Berlin. Located in the Friedrichshain district on Landsberger Allee, this initiative focuses on refurbishing and extending existing Plattenbauten, specifically the QP64 model, which is a notable part of East Berlin’s social housing history. By increasing the height of these buildings, the approach promotes efficient use of space while fostering a sense of community among residents.

Materials and Construction Techniques
The project centers on the use of timber as a primary construction material, particularly Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) panels. This choice of material allows for quick assembly and contributes to a lower environmental impact, aligning well with contemporary building practices. The modular design of the Plattenbau integrates effectively with timber construction techniques, making the building process more efficient and tidy.

Diverse Housing Typologies
Plattenbauten Reloaded introduces various types of living spaces, including four duplex apartments, one simplex flat, and two three-bedroom apartments. It also features a co-living block connected to a co-working area, which encourages collaboration and interaction among residents. Special consideration is given to older adults, as the design incorporates two housing clusters that can accommodate up to 16 individuals, highlighting the focus on mixed community living.

Community Connectivity
A significant aspect of the design is its emphasis on community connectivity. The layout organizes residential units along a linear path across the newly extended roof, promoting movement and social exchange. A central space, known as the piazza, acts as a gathering point for residents. This communal space supports engagement and interaction, enhancing the sense of belonging among those living in the development.

Design Outcomes
Plattenbauten Reloaded leverages the existing site infrastructure, which helps reduce costs related to land acquisition and maintains nearby green areas. The thoughtful arrangement of private and communal spaces balances individual privacy with opportunities for social interaction. The design effectively retains the character of the original architecture while adapting to the current needs of urban living, ultimately creating a practical and vibrant environment for residents.

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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
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