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Enhancing Community Connectivity Through Vertical Communication and Natural Light

Authors:
Neritan Duka, Alin alexandru Ciobotaru
Enhancing Community Connectivity Through Vertical Communication and Natural Light

Project in-detail

The incorporation of vertical communication elements enhances accessibility between apartment blocks while maximizing natural light, creating an inviting residential community designed to improve quality of life.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a railway tunnel that effectively reduces urban noise.
02
Widened windows enhance natural light and improve views for residents.
03
Vertical communication elements connect apartment blocks, fostering accessibility.
04
Additional apartments are strategically placed above existing structures.
05
The layout promotes a diverse mix of residential unit sizes for various households.

The project centers around the concept of "Architecture Metamorphosis," aiming to improve an urban environment significantly affected by noise. Located in a busy area, the goal is to enhance the quality of life for residents. The design focuses on addressing aesthetic and functional aspects, creating a more connected and accessible community while considering environmental factors.

Foundation for Change
The first step involves building a railway tunnel to reduce noise from nearby transit routes. This significant addition directly tackles the sound concerns that impact daily living. It establishes a base for subsequent improvements throughout the area.



Maximizing Natural Light
Next, the design suggests widening the windows in existing buildings. This change will increase the amount of natural light inside. By allowing more sunlight in, the living spaces become brighter and more pleasant, while also offering better views of the surroundings.



Connecting the Community
The incorporation of vertical communication elements between the apartment blocks is meant to improve accessibility. This design choice encourages more interactions among residents, helping to foster a sense of community. With easier navigation, people can engage with their neighbors and experience a more connected environment.



Diverse Living Options
The plan includes varied residential units to meet the needs of different-sized households. Options range from 2-person flats to larger 5-person units. This variety ensures the housing fits a broad segment of the community, making the development inclusive and responsive to diverse living arrangements.



The layout features living rooms combined with kitchens, effectively promoting a practical flow within the flats. Balconies serve not just as spaces to relax outdoors, but as extensions of the interior, encouraging outdoor living and enhancing the residential experience.

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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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