Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Hexagonal Beehive Housing Designed for Community Cohesion

Author:
Nai cheong Cheong
Hexagonal Beehive Housing Designed for Community Cohesion

Project in-detail

The hexagonal beehive shape optimizes space and thermal efficiency in this affordable housing development, which fosters community interaction through its integrated gardens and walkways.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hexagonal layout reduces wall surface area, enhancing thermal efficiency.
02
Multiple unit types cater to diverse living needs, promoting inclusivity.
03
Integrated gardens foster community interaction and outdoor activity.
04
Walkways connect residential blocks, encouraging neighborly engagement.
05
Low thermal mass design optimizes energy use for comfortable living.

The Berlin Affordable House project features an innovative hexagonal design that provides solutions for affordable housing in Berlin. The layout promotes efficient use of space and resources while addressing the needs of families, singles, and couples. It reflects a focus on sustainability and community, creating a functional living environment that meets modern demands.

Layout and Functionality

The layout is organized into clusters, incorporating different types of units, including single studios and family apartments. This arrangement fosters a sense of community while maintaining privacy for residents. The compact design optimizes space, making it easy for people to connect and interact. Communal gardens and walkways allow easy movement, encouraging outdoor activities and bringing neighbors together.

Thermal Efficiency

A key feature of the Berlin Affordable House is its ability to maintain thermal efficiency. The hexagonal shape minimizes wall surface area, leading to less heat loss. This results in lower energy use and more comfortable living conditions. The low thermal mass helps keep spaces warm in winter and cool in summer, which is beneficial for residents.

Community Integration

Located in a city known for its diverse architecture, the housing complex aligns with Berlin's commitment to innovative living solutions. By including gardens and walkways, the design emphasizes communal spaces and promotes interaction among residents. This thoughtful layout contributes to a vibrant community atmosphere, making the development a relevant example for future housing initiatives.

The facade showcases well-arranged hexagonal units that allow light to fill the interiors. Each unit is designed for practicality and comfort, creating a space that supports a positive community experience.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy