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Hexagonal Housing Units with Precast Concrete and Community Gardens

Authors:
Vahid Mojarrab, Carol Ware
Hexagonal Housing Units with Precast Concrete and Community Gardens

Project in-detail

Constructed from precast concrete and designed in a hexagonal form, the housing units prioritize community engagement with integrated gardens while addressing the need for affordable living in an urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using precast concrete for durability and efficiency.
02
Hexagonal design enhances structural integrity and optimizes space.
03
Integrated community gardens promote social interaction among residents.
04
Modular units allow for flexible configurations in urban environments.
05
Strategically located on underutilized public land for urban infill.

The design located in San Francisco seeks to meet the pressing need for affordable housing through a flexible and modular framework. Set against the backdrop of a diverse urban environment, the focus is on creating a functional living space that is both efficient and sustainable. The concept revolves around providing adaptable units that respond to the complexities of urban living, prioritizing the improvement of residential quality.

Design Concept

Central to the design is the use of pre-fabricated construction techniques that enable the housing units to be arranged in various configurations. This flexibility allows for creative stacking of units, maximizing available space while remaining sensitive to the surrounding area. The hexagonal shape not only provides structural strength but also enhances the project's ability to withstand seismic activity, a critical consideration in the region.

Integration with Urban Landscape

The project makes effective use of underutilized public land, such as parking lots and vacant areas, promoting urban infill. By revitalizing these spaces, the design encourages community interaction and creates welcoming shared environments. The incorporation of open frame units aids in developing terraces and community gardens, promoting social connections among residents and enhancing their relationship with nature.

Materials and Sustainability

The selection of materials plays a significant role in achieving sustainability goals. Precast concrete is a primary structural element due to its durability and thermal properties, making it ideal for efficient construction. Structural insulated panels offer high insulation levels that improve energy efficiency, aligning with passive house standards. Choosing steel studs and drywall for interior partitions ensures cost-effectiveness while maintaining flexible living options.

Green spaces are woven throughout the layout, enhancing both aesthetics and practicality. These areas provide opportunity for outdoor activities and foster a sense of community among residents. Each detail contributes to a holistic approach to modern living, balancing the need for affordable housing with the desire for an engaging environment.

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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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