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Interconnected Living Spaces Embracing Natural Forms in Student Housing

Author:
Marta Garcia de santiago
Interconnected Living Spaces Embracing Natural Forms in Student Housing

Project in-detail

Emphasizing natural forms and interconnected living spaces, the design creates an environment that seamlessly supports both community interaction and individual study within student housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Interconnected living areas enhance student collaboration.
02
Natural light maximizes well-being and comfort within the building.
03
A bent A-frame design optimizes structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
04
Cross-laminated timber panels reduce environmental impact.
05
Charred wooden shingles add durability and a distinct visual texture.

The Residencias de Estudiantes Gaudi project is a student housing complex designed to enhance community living and support academic activities. Located in an area that reflects the influence of Antoni Gaudí, the design combines shared spaces with private rooms. This thoughtful integration promotes social interaction among students while catering to their individual study needs.

Design Concept

The overall design emphasizes functionality and inclusiveness. Living spaces are interconnected, with communal areas acting as gathering spots for residents. These areas encourage collaboration and interaction while still providing suitable environments for quiet study. The layout facilitates easy movement, allowing students to transition smoothly between social and private spaces.

Natural Light

Natural light plays an important role in the design. Large windows and strategically placed openings let in ample daylight, creating bright and welcoming interiors. This focus on light not only enhances the beauty of the living spaces but also positively affects the well-being of the residents. A well-lit environment encourages a sense of comfort and helps to create a pleasant atmosphere within the residences.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of spaces is carefully considered to cater to different student lifestyles. The design accommodates a variety of needs, offering opportunities for both collaboration and solitary work. This balance between communal living and individual study is intentional, allowing students to feel both connected and independent in their living experience.

One notable design detail includes the attention to geometry, subtly reflecting Gaudí’s distinctive style. This blend of modern architectural methods with historical influences enriches the living environment, adding depth and character to the student experience.

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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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