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Infill Living Pods Utilizing Prefabricated Structural Frames

Authors:
Qin Wang, Si ying Cheng
Infill Living Pods Utilizing Prefabricated Structural Frames

Project in-detail

Utilizing prefabricated structural frames and infill strategies, the design reimagines blank party walls in Paris to create adaptable and affordable living pods that enhance community engagement and urban integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes existing blank party walls for housing infill.
02
Features a modular system designed for rapid assembly.
03
Supports customization for individual resident needs.
04
Integrates balconies to enhance outdoor living spaces.
05
Promotes social interaction through community-oriented layouts.

Moving Pods is a modular housing initiative aimed at providing affordable housing in Paris. Located in a city facing rapid urbanization, the project repurposes existing blank party walls to create new residential units. This approach enables the development of housing without requiring additional land, which is increasingly scarce. The design concept prioritizes sustainability and community involvement, seeking to integrate new living spaces into the existing urban landscape while preserving the city’s architectural character.

Modular Housing System

At the core of Moving Pods is a pre-assembled structural frame that can accommodate prefabricated living pods. These modular units are flexible and can be adapted to meet the specific needs of residents. By allowing customization, the design enables inhabitants to engage in the creation of their own living spaces. This collaborative process fosters a sense of ownership and connection to the community.

Infill Strategy

The infill strategy of this initiative respects the historical context of Paris. By following local building regulations, which support additions along property lines, the design preserves important architectural features while creating a cohesive streetscape. This strategy maintains a continuous street wall in downtown areas, which is essential for the visual integrity of the city. The design carefully incorporates new elements without overshadowing the existing structures.

Community and Social Rebalancing

Moving Pods pays attention to the diverse needs of residents in Paris. The design offers various types of residential units, including single and family configurations. It also includes spaces for community interaction. Features such as larger balconies encourage residents to engage with the outdoors and their surroundings. By revitalizing underused walls, the project aims to promote social equity and inclusivity, helping to bridge gaps within neighborhoods.

Architectural Integration

The approach to architectural integration shows how innovative housing can respect historical elements. Each living pod is crafted to align with the existing urban aesthetic while providing modern conveniences. This balance ensures that the new structures contribute positively to the neighborhood’s character while addressing pressing housing demands.

Living pods, with their modular designs, invite residents to engage with both private and community life. The combination of adaptability and connectivity offers a practical response to urban living in Paris.

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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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