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Flexible Living Spaces in Urban Infill Design

Author:
Brandon Saunders
Flexible Living Spaces in Urban Infill Design

Project in-detail

Arranged around a central plumbed column, the micro-apartments redefine urban living by maximizing space efficiency and promoting a sense of community among independent residents in Toronto.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular system designed for underutilized parking spaces in Toronto.
02
Central plumbed column allows for unique spatial organization.
03
Micro-apartments promote adaptability without traditional walls.
04
Emphasis on community integration to reduce social stigma.
05
Flexible living spaces accommodate diverse resident needs.

IN:FILL HOUSE is a modular housing system designed to meet the need for affordable single-occupant rentals and family homes in Toronto. It cleverly makes use of underutilized parking spaces found within existing residential areas. The project aims to tackle modern housing issues by creating compact, fully independent living spaces that encourage community involvement and address the negative perceptions often linked to affordable housing.

Modular Design and Organization

The layout of IN:FILL HOUSE features micro-apartments arranged around a central plumbed column that extends through three floors. This column not only supports the structure but also redefines how space is used. By doing away with traditional walls, the design promotes a sense of openness while separating different living areas. This configuration allows residents to adapt their spaces according to personal preferences and needs.

Community Integration

A key element of IN:FILL HOUSE is its focus on building connections among residents. Many affordable housing developments can result in feelings of isolation, but this design encourages interaction. By blending with the existing neighborhood, the housing units invite a diverse range of people to live within them. The emphasis on visibility and community engagement helps create a welcoming environment that fosters relationships.

Functional Living Spaces

Each micro-apartment includes a large multifunctional area that serves various purposes, such as living, dining, and working. This flexibility is essential for maximizing the use of space. Residents can transition easily between activities without the need for permanent renovations. Thoughtful planning and design ensure that all areas are practical and can fit individual lifestyles.

The innovative approach taken in IN:FILL HOUSE allows residents to enjoy a sense of freedom in their living spaces. It challenges traditional ideas about urban housing, showing how a well-designed environment can contribute to a thriving community. The project reimagines the possibilities of urban living, encouraging a deeper connection to the spaces people call home.

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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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