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Flexible Loft Units with Communal Spaces for Urban Infill

Authors:
Robert Arnone, Bryce Jarman, Kael Samake, Artyom Savin
Flexible Loft Units with Communal Spaces for Urban Infill
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Modular units with adaptable loft spaces and integrated communal areas address the critical need for affordable housing in Berlin through efficient urban infill strategies.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units are designed for rapid assembly and deployment.
02
Units incorporate flexible living spaces that can adapt to multiple household types.
03
Communal areas encourage social interaction and support local small businesses.
04
Construction employs prefabricated components to streamline building processes.
05
Design integrates community engagement, enhancing neighborhood cohesion.

A systematic approach to affordable housing in Berlin addresses the need for effective residential options in an urban setting. The focus is on prefabricated modular units, designed specifically for urban infill. This design aims to improve the city's character while providing essential living spaces. It seeks to create functional and adaptable environments that serve a diverse range of residents, including singles, couples, and small families.

Modular Housing Design

The design centers around compact modular units that maximize the use of space while ensuring essential amenities are included. Each unit features a three-piece bathroom, a loft bedroom, a built-in kitchen, and adequate storage. A key element is the common area, which can easily convert into a second sleeping space to accommodate various household types. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for single parents and small families, offering a practical living solution in the city.

Community Integration

The design emphasizes community interaction, incorporating communal units throughout the site. These upper-level communal spaces provide work areas, laundry facilities, and outdoor gathering spots, encouraging residents to connect with one another. Ground-floor communal units are designed to serve as spaces for resident-run businesses, such as cafes and shops. This focus on shared resources enhances both the living experience and the economic viability of the neighborhood, helping to foster a lively community atmosphere.

Urban Infill Application

The project addresses the challenges of urban infill, aiming to create diverse living conditions without leading to social segregation. The modular design is adaptable, allowing for easy adjustment to different sites across Berlin. This responsiveness ensures that each location’s unique features are taken into account. The layout encourages communication and fosters inclusiveness, working against the common issues of traditional affordable housing developments.

Materials and Construction

Construction relies on prefabricated components sourced from various manufacturers, including exterior walls and important interior elements like kitchens and storage solutions. Using such materials allows for efficient assembly and quick installation. This approach enhances the quality of construction while meeting the increasing demand for housing. The effective use of prefabrication ensures that the building process remains streamlined and consistent.

The final design prioritizes not only immediate housing needs but also the creation of supportive community spaces. Each aspect, carefully considered and articulated, contributes to a living environment that accommodates a diverse urban population.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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