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Elliptical Concrete Volumes Integrating Urban Greenery for Enhanced Community Living

Author:
Denisa Balaj
Elliptical Concrete Volumes Integrating Urban Greenery for Enhanced Community Living

Project in-detail

Integrating elliptical concrete volumes with green planting zones, the design fosters community interaction while providing functional student housing in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elliptical concrete volumes create functional spaces for trees and greenery within the structure.
02
Double circulation pathways enhance accessibility and encourage interaction among residents.
03
A modern irrigation system efficiently channels water to support integrated plant life.
04
Adaptable layouts facilitate various communal activities and living arrangements.
05
Natural light is maximized through large openings, fostering a connection with the outdoors.

## Overview

Located in central Adelaide, this architectural design project focuses on student housing and communal spaces, referred to as "Between Flower Pots." The initiative aims to foster a collaborative environment that blends natural elements with urban living, creating multifunctional spaces for academic, social, and recreational activities.

## Spatial Dynamics

The design features a hierarchical organization that promotes interaction among users. Each level comprises distinct yet interconnected areas such as study zones, offices, and communal gathering spaces, thus facilitating collaboration and knowledge exchange. The circulation strategy includes double circulation routes, allowing for fluid movement throughout the building and enhancing accessibility.

## Materiality

The project employs a thoughtful selection of materials that support both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Concrete serves as the primary material, providing robustness along with opportunities for design versatility. Glass facades enhance transparency and facilitate light penetration, while wood elements contribute warmth to the interiors. Additionally, landscaping elements, including integrated soil for planting and sustainable irrigation systems, ensure ecological balance and integrate nature within the urban fabric.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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