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LEGO Brick Arches Supporting Flexible Community Living

Authors:
Abdulrhman Ajinah, Ola Almulla essa, Nujood Alobied, Tarik Ajinah
LEGO Brick Arches Supporting Flexible Community Living

Project in-detail

Reinforced LEGO bricks form the structural backbone of a modular housing solution designed to promote community engagement and resource efficiency in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
LEGO bricks are used as a primary structural element, allowing for participatory construction.
02
Modular units can be easily reconfigured to accommodate changing community needs.
03
Retractable walls enhance spatial flexibility for private and communal gatherings.
04
The design emphasizes resource efficiency by utilizing underused materials and land.
05
Community living is integrated into the architectural framework, promoting social interaction.

The design engages with values such as Freedom, Fraternity, and Justice, addressing the contemporary challenges of urban living. Located in an area facing increased population density and environmental concerns, the proposal focuses on affordability and sustainability. The overall design concept presents a modular housing solution that fosters inclusivity and encourages community involvement, offering spaces that adapt to the needs of their users.

Modularity and Flexibility

The core idea is based on a modular approach that allows for flexibility in living spaces. Modular units can easily adjust to accommodate different family structures and communal needs. This adaptability is enhanced by the inclusion of retractable walls, enabling residents to shift between private and shared settings. Such design encourages interaction among community members while maintaining personal privacy.

Structural System

A key feature is the use of reinforced LEGO bricks in the construction process. This innovative choice not only engages residents in building their own homes but also contributes to an efficient structure. The modular brick arches provide crucial support, distributing loads effectively while creating a lightweight framework. Additionally, shear walls enhance the stability of the overall system, ensuring resilience in various conditions.

Community-Centric Design

The proposal envisions a self-sufficient village model focused on resource efficiency. By creatively utilizing available materials and spaces, the design promotes a connected community that encourages collaboration. This approach seeks to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds, addressing housing needs while supporting social justice.

Interrelationship of Spaces

The design fosters a balance between communal areas and individual spaces. Thoughtfully planned layouts encourage residents to interact while also respecting their need for privacy. This duality promotes a dynamic residential experience, allowing for both community engagement and personal retreat.

Through the careful detailing of modular units and flexible spaces, the design creates opportunities for various uses. Residents are encouraged to actively shape their environment, reflecting a commitment to adaptability. This focus on flexible living aligns with contemporary needs, reinforcing the importance of resilience and community in urban settings.

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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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