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Integrating Structural Insulated Panels Above Transportation Nodes for Affordable Urban Living

Authors:
Almas ratna Salsabila, Farah augusta Pusparosa, Mohamad Irvansyah
Integrating Structural Insulated Panels Above Transportation Nodes for Affordable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing structural insulated panels, the design integrates residential units above transportation nodes in Melbourne's CBD, creating an affordable living solution that enhances urban connectivity and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes structural insulated panels for efficient energy use.
02
Integrates residential units directly above busy transportation nodes.
03
Supports Melbourne's Future Planning 2050 initiative for 20-minute neighborhoods.
04
Features sloping sides for visual privacy while overlooking city streets.
05
Accommodates diverse family structures through flexible living configurations.

The project is located in Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD) and addresses the pressing issue of affordable housing. The design focuses on integrating residential units above existing transportation nodes to improve accessibility for residents. By placing homes near essential transport links, the aim is to provide a practical solution that balances living costs with the convenience of urban life.

Conceptual Framework

The design framework revolves around the idea of merging living spaces with transportation infrastructure. Residential units are positioned above bike paths and tram lines, enhancing urban density while ensuring residents can easily access city amenities. This method not only tackles the affordability challenges faced by many but also highlights the potential for urban areas to develop in a more integrated manner.

Materials and Construction

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are utilized as the main construction material. These panels are lightweight and suitable for prefabrication, allowing for fast assembly while providing good energy efficiency and thermal insulation. The incorporation of SIPs supports the goal of creating adaptable living spaces that can meet the demands of an urban environment without sacrificing safety or comfort.

Civic Integration

The integration of housing with transportation aligns with broader city planning initiatives, especially the Future Planning 2050 strategy. This initiative promotes the idea of 20-minute neighborhoods, ensuring vital services are within easy reach. By designing shared spaces that encourage interaction among residents, the project contributes positively to the urban landscape, fostering a sense of community.

Residential Experience

Design elements, such as sloping sides, enable residents to overlook the bustling city while maintaining their privacy. This thoughtful consideration enhances the living experience, balancing the need for visibility with the desire for personal space. The layout creates a harmonious relationship between residents and their urban surroundings, enriching daily life in the city.

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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
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