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Integrating Urban Stairs with Intertwined Housing Plots in a Community Hub

Author:
Ben Schepens
Integrating Urban Stairs with Intertwined Housing Plots in a Community Hub

Project in-detail

The urban stair design integrates with a series of intertwined housing plots to create a vibrant community hub that fosters accessibility and interaction among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Urban stair connects multiple levels, enhancing movement and interaction.
02
Intertwined housing plots create a sense of community within the design.
03
Focus on self-building options allows residents to customize their spaces.
04
Upward-twirling plaza promotes public engagement and social activity.
05
Integrated green spaces support sustainability and improve livability.

Towner introduces a new vision for urban living, focusing on the growing needs of society as populations increase. Located less than a mile above Adway, the design shifts away from typical high-rise buildings to create interconnected environments. By blending living, working, and leisure spaces, Towner aims to foster a lively urban community that enhances everyday life.

Design Concept

The foundation of Towner lies in the idea of the "urban stair." This element not only connects diverse areas like homes, shops, and cultural spots but also simplifies movement throughout the entire structure. Unlike traditional high-rises that often isolate functions, Towner encourages an interactive environment that prioritizes accessibility for all.

Spatial Organization

The layout features an upward-twirling plaza and intertwined housing plots. This design creates a strong link between the ground and upper levels, ensuring that public spaces remain active and inviting. By replacing the common lobby with wide, communal urban stairs, Towner promotes a sense of togetherness, encouraging social interaction among residents.

Community and Affordability

A key aspect of Towner is its focus on building community and offering affordable living options. By allowing for self-building opportunities and individualized living spaces, residents can connect more deeply with their surroundings. This approach supports a diverse lifestyle, making it possible to live, work, and socialize close to home.

The urban plaza stands out as a central feature of Towner, integrating green spaces into the design. This thoughtful combination enhances the livability of the area while providing residents with a place to gather and enjoy their surroundings.

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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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