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Flexible Living Spaces Integrated in Cross-Structured Formations

Authors:
Kangli Zheng, Lu Dai
Flexible Living Spaces Integrated in Cross-Structured Formations

Project in-detail

Connected by a clever cross-structured layout, multiple stacked units in High-rise 2030 provide flexible living options that encourage community engagement while adapting to the diverse needs of urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible modular units allow residents to easily adapt their living spaces.
02
Cross-structured design promotes vertical and diagonal connectivity among residents.
03
Integrates diverse functions such as residential, office, and retail within a compact footprint.
04
Emphasizes communal spaces to facilitate social interaction within the urban environment.
05
Maximizes natural light and ventilation to enhance overall living conditions for occupants.

High-rise 2030 is situated between Beijing East Road and Zhejiang Centre Road in Shanghai. The project responds to pressing issues faced by urban environments, focusing on how residents can adapt their living spaces. With a design that brings various housing types together in a central cross-structured layout, the aim is to improve the quality of life for individuals living in a dense city.

Innovative Adaptability

The design emphasizes flexibility within home layouts. Traditional residential spaces often impose limits on how rooms can be used. High-rise 2030 counters this by using a modular approach. Inspired by building blocks, it allows different unit types to be stacked, enabling residents to modify their homes according to their unique needs. This could include adding a small office space or incorporating retail areas without extensive renovations.

Social Interaction and Community

In many urban settings, opportunities for social interaction can be scarce. High-rise 2030 attempts to remedy this by integrating open communal areas into its design. The structure shifts away from isolated core spaces, promoting interaction among residents. By embracing open areas where people can gather, the design encourages a sense of community and reduces feelings of isolation.

Efficient Spatial Utilization

Space efficiency is crucial in urban design, particularly in a densely populated city like Shanghai. High-rise 2030 addresses this by featuring a central structure where various housing units are arranged along its surface. This layout allows for a mix of living spaces, including one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as offices and retail. Residents have the freedom to choose configurations that best suit their lifestyles, supporting a diversity of needs.

Natural Light and Ventilation

Another critical aspect of the design is the focus on natural light and ventilation. These elements play vital roles in creating comfortable living environments. The design employs strategies to allow sunlight and airflow into residential spaces, improving comfort, especially during hot seasons. By prioritizing these factors, High-rise 2030 enhances the overall living experience for its residents.

Balconies and terraces further connect residents to the city, offering outdoor spaces that blend private and communal living. This thoughtful inclusion encourages engagement with the urban landscape, enriching the everyday lives of those within the structure.

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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

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