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Green Atriums and Modular Flats in Urban Densification

Author:
Magdalena Śmieja
Green Atriums and Modular Flats in Urban Densification

Project in-detail

With a focus on green atriums and modular flat configurations, the design promotes urban densification while enhancing community interaction in a Toronto setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible living modules allow for diverse configurations tailored to resident preferences.
02
Internal roofed green atriums enhance natural light and community interaction.
03
Gaps between floors are creatively utilized as pocket parks.
04
The design integrates steel and wood for structural safety and durability.
05
Frontage acquisition promotes vertical circulation and shared community spaces.

The design is located in Toronto, aligning with the city's goals for urban planning as defined in the Avenues & Mid-Rise Building Study. It focuses on increasing housing density while encouraging community interaction. The concept of Flexible Living aims to create residential units that serve both individual needs and foster a sense of belonging among residents.

Independent Construction

The structure uses independent construction methods, mainly relying on steel and wood. These materials provide important safety and support for the multi-story design, ensuring that the building can withstand urban challenges. They contribute to the building's resilience and longevity, making it suitable for its intended use.

Vertical Living and Community Spaces

Acquiring one or two modules of frontage enables vertical circulation and encourages the development of communal spaces. The flats are designed to follow the shapes of existing buildings, allowing for the inclusion of internal roofed green atriums. These atriums not only enhance the living space but also invite nature into the urban setting, giving residents a place to gather and relax.

Adaptability of Living Spaces

The project offers a modular system of accessible rooms that can adapt to different resident preferences. This flexibility allows for various room configurations and encourages customization in elements like window sizes. Such options enable residents to shape their living environments according to personal tastes while maintaining overall design coherence.

Integration of Green Infrastructure

Gaps between the floors serve as pocket parks, adding greenery to the urban landscape. These spaces offer utility and beauty, creating areas where residents can unwind and socialize. The thoughtful approach to design helps weave natural elements into city life, promoting a healthier living environment.

Internal green atriums play an essential role, acting as shared areas where residents can connect with nature. These spaces provide a sense of calm amidst the bustling city, enhancing the quality of life for those who call this place home.

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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
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