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Hexagonal Living Units With Wood Frame Construction for Affordable Housing

Author:
Wael El gendy
Hexagonal Living Units With Wood Frame Construction for Affordable Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing a hexagonal modular system and a wood frame structure, the design offers a flexible arrangement of affordable living units that prioritize community interaction and efficient use of space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hexagonal units maximize spatial efficiency by eliminating gaps.
02
Adaptable design allows placement on sites as narrow as nine feet.
03
Multiple housing types cater to diverse family structures and needs.
04
Incorporates public pathways for enhanced community engagement.
05
Wood frame construction promotes sustainable building practices.

The design features a hexagonal modular system in Toronto that aims to tackle the issue of affordable housing. By using hexagonal shapes, the design creates interconnected residential units that maximize space in an efficient way. This configuration allows for effective use of the area and promotes a sense of community among residents. The project thoughtfully combines modern living with the realities of urban life.

Architectural Concept

The design relies on the hexagon, a shape that fits together without leaving gaps, which means it can effectively use the designated space. The modular system is adaptable, capable of fitting sites that have a minimum width of nine feet. This versatility supports various arrangements and encourages social interaction among the people living there.

Unit Variations

Several different types of units are included in the design—A, B, C, and D—to serve various needs and lifestyles. Unit Type A is 250 square feet, made up of one 10-foot hexagon split into two levels for two residents. Unit Type B is larger at 500 square feet, featuring two staggered 10-foot hexagons in a three-level structure for four occupants. Unit Type C, which offers 550 square feet, consists of two side-by-side 10-foot hexagons arranged across two levels for four residents. Finally, Unit Type D includes three 6-foot hexagons, totaling 150 square feet, designed for two occupants.

Materiality and Structure

Wood is used for the frame of the structure, a common material in affordable housing in Canada. This choice reflects a commitment to sustainable building practices. Timber not only supports efficient construction but also adds warmth and character to each unit. The material choice is both practical and environmentally friendly.

Public Spaces and Accessibility

The design also includes public pathways that improve accessibility and promote interaction among residents. These open-air paths allow for easy movement between private and shared spaces within the building. They help residents engage with one another and connect with the surrounding urban area. The careful layout encourages a sense of community, which is essential for modern living.

Combining efficient design with accessible public spaces creates a residential solution that meets today's urban needs. Each unit not only serves as a home but also contributes to a connected community where interaction is encouraged.

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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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