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Hexagonal Living Units Featuring Prefabricated Steel and Modular Design for Sustainable Urban Housing

Authors:
Andrea Sichi, Sara Orlando, Beatrice Paludi
Hexagonal Living Units Featuring Prefabricated Steel and Modular Design for Sustainable Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Hexagonal living units constructed with prefabricated steel and modular components provide a flexible, sustainable housing solution within the urban landscape of Paris.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hexagonal unit configuration enhances spatial efficiency and community interaction.
02
Prefabricated construction reduces site disruption and expedites occupancy.
03
Integrated vertical gardens improve biodiversity and outdoor access for residents.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance thermal performance and sustainability.
05
Modular design allows for future expansions tailored to individual needs.

The "Incremental Living" architectural project is an innovative housing solution designed for dense urban environments, specifically addressing the housing challenges in Paris. This project exemplifies a modular approach to architecture, allowing residents to adapt their living spaces according to individual needs. By prioritizing affordability and sustainability, it responds effectively to the demands of urbanization while integrating seamlessly into the existing city fabric.

The design features a series of prefabricated modules that can be constructed incrementally. This approach aims to alleviate the financial burden on residents by allowing them to occupy smaller units initially and expand as necessary. The project's layout is characterized by flexible spaces that promote both private living and community interaction, featuring a combination of residential units, communal areas, and flexible public spaces. The hexagonal grid layout optimizes land use while providing a functional arrangement for various activities within the structure.

Innovative Design Approaches

A standout feature of this project is its emphasis on adaptability. The incremental housing model allows units to be added or modified over time, shifting the traditional notion of fixed architecture to a more dynamic form. This adaptability is not just structural; it also extends to the integration of green technologies, such as photovoltaic cells and rainwater collection systems, enhancing energy efficiency and promoting environmental stewardship.

The organization of spaces within the development incorporates both private and communal elements. Public areas such as gardens, co-working spaces, and meeting rooms encourage social engagement among residents, fostering a sense of community. The design intentionally incorporates cross-ventilation strategies, ensuring natural airflow and improved indoor air quality while minimizing reliance on artificial heating and cooling systems.

Architectural Details and Functionality

The materiality of the project plays a crucial role in its design. The use of steel frameworks ensures structural integrity while allowing for expansive openings that enhance daylight penetration. Concrete panels are utilized for durability and thermal insulation, with careful consideration given to sustainability in material selection.

The construction method emphasizes prefabrication, allowing for efficient assembly and minimizing disruption to the urban environment during the building process. This technique not only expedites development timelines but also reduces construction waste and environmental impact.

In summary, "Incremental Living" redefines urban housing through its modular design, innovative use of materials, and focus on adaptability. Its approach ensures that it meets the unique demands of modern urban living while simultaneously enhancing community engagement. For a deeper understanding of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. The architectural ideas embedded in this project provide valuable insights into contemporary approaches to housing within dense urban contexts.

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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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