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Floating Vertical Community Along the Han River

Authors:
Dongmin Lee, Hyeon jeong Seon
Floating Vertical Community Along the Han River

Project in-detail

Floating above the Han River, the design incorporates a vertical cluster of transparent units that blend living, office, and hotel spaces, fostering a new form of community within a dense urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating design enhances connectivity with the Han River.
02
Vertical clustering promotes efficient use of urban space.
03
Transparent façade maximizes natural light and views.
04
Multiple functional units encourage community interaction.
05
Strategic positioning facilitates a harmonious urban environment.

SEOUL HIVE is positioned in the heart of Seoul, a city marked by its lively atmosphere and significant urban density. The structure is designed to accommodate a mix of functions, including residential areas, offices, and hotel spaces. The primary concept behind SEOUL HIVE is the focus on verticality, which aims to provide a modern solution to urban living challenges while fostering a sense of community.

Vertical Integration

The design emphasizes vertical growth rather than adhering to the typical horizontal layout of many skyscrapers. This approach allows for an innovative arrangement of various unit types—A, B, C, and D—that come together to form a cohesive cluster. Each unit is carefully designed to optimize both space and comfort, facilitating different types of interactions among residents and users.

Transparency and Interaction

A key feature of SEOUL HIVE is its transparent façade, which encourages a connection between the interior spaces and the outside environment. This design choice promotes natural light within the building, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The transparency allows residents to feel engaged with the surrounding urban landscape, blurring the lines between the public and private realms.

Geographical Context

The building’s location along the Han River plays a significant role in its design. It is intended to evoke the impression of floating above the river, enhancing the overall visual experience of the setting. This relationship with the water contributes to a calming effect in an otherwise bustling urban environment, allowing residents to enjoy both tranquility and proximity to city life.

Material Implications

Although specific materials are not detailed, the focus on transparency suggests possible use of glass in the façade. This choice aligns with the overall aim of creating an open and light-filled environment, enabling views that enhance the experience of both the living spaces and the vibrant surroundings.

The building’s transparent structure allows light to create shifting patterns throughout the day, enriching the internal spaces and offering a dynamic interaction that is both functional and visually engaging.

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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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