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 Concrete Pods Offering Flexible Urban Living

Author:
Liza Turkevych
Hexagonal Concrete Pods Offering Flexible Urban Living

Project in-detail

Constructed from prefabricated concrete panels and arranged in hexagonal configurations, these modular pods provide adaptable living spaces that address the need for affordable housing in urban environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hexagonal pod design optimizes spatial efficiency in compact urban environments.
02
Each pod includes a lofted bedroom for enhanced functionality and openness.
03
Prefabricated concrete panels ensure quick assembly and reduce waste.
04
Integrated storage solutions maximize usability within limited space.
05
Flexible configurations allow for reconfiguration and community-oriented layouts.

The Hive is a prefabricated housing solution designed to meet the rising demand for affordable living spaces in urban settings. Located in busy metropolitan areas, it targets first-time buyers who struggle to find quality accommodation amid increasing property costs. The design concept emphasizes modular construction, which allows efficient use of available space and offers flexible living options.

Modular Design

The structure consists of hexagonal pods, each covering 25 square meters across two levels, with a height of 4 meters. This configuration features a lofted bedroom, which helps maximize vertical space. The design creates an open and airy feeling in the living areas, while the double-height ceilings contribute to a more spacious atmosphere.

Layout and Functionality

The interior layout encourages effective use of space through versatile furniture. Key elements include fold-out kitchen counters and expandable dining tables, which allow residents to adapt their living areas for everyday use and special occasions. The staircase is designed with built-in storage compartments, promoting organization and making the most of the pod's vertical height.

Material Selection

Materials play a vital role in the design of The Hive. The primary structure consists of prefabricated concrete panels supported by a steel framework. This combination provides strength and stability while also improving fire resistance, which is essential for homes located close together. Interior spaces are finished with sustainable plywood, adding warmth and character to the living areas.

Adaptable Configurations

The modular aspect of The Hive enables stacking and reconfiguration, maximizing the use of urban land. This flexibility is important in creating living environments that respond to the changing needs of residents. Different layouts support individual choices while fostering a sense of community.

Each pod is equipped with smart storage solutions, ensuring that every inch of space is utilized effectively. The design can also incorporate shared garden areas, allowing for a balance between private residences and communal spaces as pods are adjusted or removed.

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