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Integration of Grey Bricks and Polycarbonate Ceilings in Communal Living Spaces

Authors:
Faisal Isfan, Erin Damayanti, Rama Dwiwahyu, Romy Dwiwahyu
Integration of Grey Bricks and Polycarbonate Ceilings in Communal Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Combining the durability of grey bricks with the lightness of polycarbonate ceilings, this communal living environment reimagines traditional housing models while fostering a strong sense of community.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates an expansive roof that connects indoor and outdoor communal areas.
02
Polycarbonate ceilings allow for optimal natural light throughout the living spaces.
03
The layout includes a public kitchen that encourages collaboration among residents.
04
Inspiration is drawn from traditional Tulou dwellings, enhancing cultural relevance.
05
Grey bricks provide durability while maintaining a connection to local materials.

The project "Under One Roof" offers a new approach to communal living, emphasizing connection and collaboration among residents. Set in a rural environment, the design creates shared spaces that foster relationships and support daily activities. It rethinks how people can live together comfortably, blending traditional concepts of community with modern needs.

Layout and Functionality

The thoughtful layout includes several key areas that encourage social interaction. A public kitchen is at the heart of the design, providing a place for residents to cook and share meals. This central space invites participation and collaboration, strengthening community ties. Nearby, public toilets and a bathhouse offer essential services that support everyday life, making it easier for everyone to feel connected.

Spatial Organization

The expansive roof is a defining feature that not only protects but also connects the various areas below it. It creates a sense of unity while enhancing the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design ensures that communal areas are easily accessible and encourages informal gatherings and activities. Each space is arranged to welcome interaction among residents, promoting a lively community atmosphere.

Cultural Context

Inspiration for the project comes from traditional Chinese architecture, particularly the Tulou dwellings found in Southeast China. This historical influence enriches the design, allowing it to maintain cultural roots while responding to current housing challenges. By incorporating elements of vernacular architecture, the design helps sustain a sense of place and tradition in a time when many rural areas face decline.

Materials and Design Details

Diverse living arrangements are accommodated through one-storey and two-storey dwelling units. Each unit maximizes natural light and ventilation through features like polycarbonate ceilings, which create bright, airy living environments. Grey bricks are also included for their durability and practicality. These material choices reflect a commitment to creating a comfortable living space that supports a strong sense of community.

The workspace is filled with open areas that encourage collaboration. Each detail is designed to nurture connections among residents and respect their cultural backgrounds. Emphasis on shared experiences is key, and the design ultimately promotes a harmonious living environment focused on community.

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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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