Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Hexagonal Modules with Rainwater Systems and Green Roofs in Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Andrea Sichi, Sara Orlando, Beatrice Paludi
Hexagonal Modules with Rainwater Systems and Green Roofs in Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Hexagonal housing units with integrated rainwater systems and green roofs redefine urban living by offering adaptable and sustainable solutions for community-focused residential spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates modular hexagonal units that allow for easy expansion and customization by residents.
02
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems to promote efficient water management within the urban context.
03
Features green roofs that enhance biodiversity and improve air quality while providing communal garden spaces.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber for enhanced structural sustainability and reduced carbon footprint.
05
Advocates for social interaction through strategically designed public axes that connect community amenities.
The architectural project Incremental Living represents a thoughtful exploration of affordable housing solutions in the urban landscape of Paris. This design addresses critical issues related to urban density, community integration, and the evolving needs of residents. By proposing modular and adaptable housing units, the project creates a framework that not only meets the immediate housing demands but also fosters a sense of belonging among its inhabitants.

At its core, Incremental Living is centered on the concept of adaptability. The project's design encourages personalization and expansion, allowing residents to modify their living spaces as their circumstances change. This flexibility is achieved through the use of prefabricated hexagonal units that can be configured in various arrangements, facilitating both individual autonomy and community cohesion. The architectural approach prioritizes density while respecting the surrounding historical context, blending modern design with the existing urban fabric.

One of the distinguishing features of Incremental Living is its strategic layout, which incorporates both public and private spaces in a harmonious manner. The central public axis is lined with communal amenities including green spaces, co-working areas, and recreational facilities, promoting social interaction while ensuring that private units are situated around these shared spaces. This organization results in a well-balanced environment that encourages residents to engage with one another while still retaining individual privacy. The design not only facilitates gatherings but also nurtures a sense of community, which is essential in urban settings.

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the architectural design. Incremental Living incorporates a range of eco-friendly materials such as reinforced concrete for structural stability, steel frameworks for support, wood for its aesthetic qualities and insulation properties, glass to enhance natural light, and green facades that promote biodiversity. Additionally, the integration of photovoltaic cells allows the project to harness solar energy, contributing to its self-sufficiency. The incorporation of rainwater collection systems further supports the project's commitment to environmental stewardship, allowing for responsible management of resources.

The project’s architecture reflects sensitivity to its geographical location. By analyzing urban gaps within Paris, Incremental Living identifies areas where new housing can be developed without disrupting the historical integrity of the city. This thoughtful integration ensures that the new structures enhance rather than detract from the existing landscape. Each unit is designed with consideration for its surroundings, taking into account elements such as topography and local climate conditions.

Unique design approaches also emerge in the use of vertical and horizontal zoning. The architectural layout embraces a volumetric play that diversifies the building's profile while maximizing space efficiency. The arrangement of units enables various levels of expansion, encouraging a culture of ownership where residents can actively participate in the evolution of their living environments.

Overall, Incremental Living represents a progressive vision for urban housing, addressing pressing needs while fostering a strong sense of place and community. The project showcases how architecture can respond to contemporary challenges with innovative solutions that are both practical and inclusive. The design effectively balances the demands of urbanization with the essential qualities of community living, making it a relevant and timely contribution to discussions around housing in metropolitan environments.

For more insights into this architectural project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation to gain a deeper understanding of its functional and aesthetic aspirations. Discover the architectural ideas that drive Incremental Living and engage with the possibilities it presents for urban housing solutions.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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