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Flexible Living Spaces With Steel Panels and Wooden Facades for Community Engagement

Authors:
Jiho Oh, Hyunwoo Kim
Flexible Living Spaces With Steel Panels and Wooden Facades for Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Utilizing modular units constructed with steel panels and timber facades, this design emphasizes adaptable living arrangements while fostering community interaction in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for easy reconfiguration of living spaces based on resident needs.
02
Incorporation of renewable energy systems ensures self-sufficiency and minimal environmental impact.
03
The design promotes social interaction through shared amenities like a café and library.
04
Use of charred wooden shingles enhances durability and reduces maintenance requirements.
05
A bent A-frame structure optimizes interior space while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
The Alpha Living project focuses on the development of a flexible tiny home designed for contemporary urban living. With an emphasis on sustainability and community engagement, this architectural design aims to incorporate multifunctional spaces that adapt to varying lifestyle needs. The project promotes a compact living approach while prioritizing user comfort, functional diversity, and environmental considerations.

The layout consists of numerous modular elements that allow for customization. It includes a range of living spaces, work areas, and shared amenities, emphasizing a balance between individual privacy and communal interaction. The architectural plans illustrate a circular arrangement encouraging social connectivity, while the design principles focus on efficient use of space.

The architectural design incorporates a range of sustainable materials, including steel roof sheets, wooden exterior panels, and a wooden structure, which contribute to the aesthetic and structural integrity of the project. The use of a steel folding door facilitates indoor-outdoor transitions, creating environments that enhance livability and increase usable space. The incorporation of renewable energy systems attests to the project's commitment to ecological sustainability.

Flexible Space Design and Functionality

What distinguishes Alpha Living from other similar projects is its notable approach to space utilization. The design embeds adaptability directly into the living experience, allowing occupants to modify spaces for diverse activities; these include areas for work, relaxation, and socialization. The integration of a closet bed modular system exemplifies innovative housing solutions that maximize the functionality of limited space.

Additionally, shared amenities such as a café and library provide essential services that strengthen community ties. This focus on common spaces not only enhances the living experience but also promotes cooperative living within a compact urban environment.

Community Engagement through Innovative Design

The architectural designs facilitate community engagement through technology-driven elements and interactive spaces. The project introduces a framework for residents to partake in communal activities and share resources, bolstering a sense of belonging. Each unit is arranged to enhance interaction while retaining sufficient personal space, addressing both social and privacy needs effectively.

Architectural ideas incorporated into the project underscore the importance of user agency, empowering residents to tailor their environments. This level of adaptability ensures the living space remains relevant and functional over time, catering to evolving needs.

For more detailed insights, exploration of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas presented in the Alpha Living project is encouraged. This comprehensive understanding of the design’s nuances highlights its progressive thinking and effective solutions to modern urban living challenges.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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