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Flexible Modular Housing with Communal Gardens and Adaptable Private Patios

Author:
Berkay Kars
Flexible Modular Housing with Communal Gardens and Adaptable Private Patios

Project in-detail

Designed with a modular core and adaptable private patios, the building integrates communal gardens to promote social interaction while providing efficient urban housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for vertical expansion based on demand.
02
Core structure streamlines utility integration and assembly.
03
Customizable private patios enhance resident privacy and engagement.
04
Communal gardens promote social interaction and ecological benefits.
05
Design adapts to changing demographics with minimal renovations.

The design provides a solution to the growing need for adaptable housing in urban areas. It focuses on modular construction, making it possible to respond quickly to changes in population and demand. Located in densely populated settings where space is limited, the project aims to be both efficient and user-friendly. A central core structure is the backbone of the layout, organizing utilities and modular units effectively, while supporting the overall design concept.

Core Structure and Function

The plan starts with a fully assembled core structure, which acts as the main support for the entire building. This approach ensures that all plumbing and electrical systems are integrated within a clear grid. Prefabricated caps are attached to the core to expedite the assembly process and cut down on both construction time and visual disruption in busy urban environments. This innovative method keeps the building process organized and efficient.

Modular Flexibility

The design's modularity allows for vertical expansion, addressing the urgent need for additional living spaces as populations grow. Modules can be easily replaced or updated without major renovations, ensuring that the building adapts to shifting community needs over time. This flexibility is especially important in urban environments, where rapid demographic changes can create challenges for traditional housing solutions.

Community-Focused Design

Adding to the overall vision, the design emphasizes community interaction. It includes spaces meant for socializing, from communal gardens to recreational areas. These spaces not only provide green areas but also encourage healthy interactions among residents, helping to create a sense of community. Integrating nature into the urban landscape addresses environmental concerns and enhances the living experience for inhabitants.

Private and Shared Spaces

In addition to communal areas, the design features private patios that allow residents to customize their personal outdoor spaces. This balance between private and shared environments is key to enhancing quality of life. It caters to a variety of lifestyles, promoting both individuality and community engagement.

The project includes thoughtfully designed transitions between personal patios and communal spaces, highlighting the importance of both personal comfort and shared responsibility among residents.

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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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