Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Environmental Materials Shaping Communal Living Spaces in Urban Design

Author:
Davide Costa
Environmental Materials Shaping Communal Living Spaces in Urban Design

Project in-detail

Modular units with environmental materials create inviting communal spaces that enhance social interaction in urban living environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design enables quick construction and reduces environmental impact.
02
Communal areas enhance social bonding among residents.
03
Flexible layouts accommodate diverse household sizes.
04
Built-in furniture optimizes interior space effectiveness.
05
Natural ventilation improves indoor air quality and comfort.

The Hexagon project addresses the need for social housing by providing sustainable and affordable living options. Set in an urban environment, the design focuses on modular units that promote community interaction. By carefully considering how residents will live together, the project fosters a sense of belonging and connection. Communal spaces are integrated into the design, encouraging social engagement among residents.

Community Integration

The layout emphasizes communal areas that facilitate interaction among residents. These spaces are situated between the modular units, inviting people to gather and take part in outdoor activities. This arrangement strengthens community ties and creates a lively atmosphere. The design promotes social bonds, making it a place where people can feel at home.

Modular Design

A key feature of the project is its modular design system, which allows for easy assembly. This reduces construction time and minimizes waste, making the building process more efficient and environmentally friendly. The various housing options, including Studio Flats and 1-Bed to 2/3-Bed layouts, cater to a diverse population. This flexibility ensures that families of different sizes and needs can find suitable accommodations.

Material Considerations

While specific materials are not stated in detail, there is a clear commitment to using environmental materials. This reflects the project's dedication to sustainability in construction. Features such as built-in furniture and natural ventilation are included to enhance the quality of life for residents. Each element is thoughtfully designed to support comfortable living while maintaining efficiency.

Design Features

The design includes typical floor plans that prioritize functionality and comfort. Shading and privacy screens are incorporated into the layout, providing individual space while allowing for openness. These details help create a living environment that balances personal needs with community engagement, ensuring that residents feel connected yet secure in their homes.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy