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Living Beneath The Bridge with Reinforced Concrete and Sustainable Wood Modules

Authors:
Jesus Alejandro Hernandez Rojas, Michelle Abadi Chayo
Living Beneath The Bridge with Reinforced Concrete and Sustainable Wood Modules

Project in-detail

Utilizing the unconventional space beneath a bridge, this housing initiative combines reinforced concrete and sustainable wood modules to create adaptable living solutions in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an underutilized space beneath a bridge for residential housing.
02
Features modular units designed for flexibility to adjust to resident needs.
03
Incorporates sustainable materials such as charred wooden shingles and reinforced concrete.
04
Design mimics natural tree canopies to promote biophilic engagement.
05
Promotes community interaction through interconnected living modules.

**Location and Concept Overview**
The project is situated beneath the bridge of Av. Carlos Echanove Trujillo in the Cuajimalpa Delegation of Mexico City. It addresses the challenge of urban space utilization by integrating residential modules into an unconventional environment. The design aims to enhance community living while promoting sustainability, utilizing the unique urban landscape to create a micro-ecosystem that encourages interaction among residents.

**Spatial Strategy**
The architectural arrangement consists of three distinct residential unit types: single units with a diameter of 5 meters, couple units measuring 6 meters in diameter, and family units, each also 5 meters in diameter, organized in clusters. This modular approach allows for flexibility in configuration, accommodating varying family dynamics and fostering communal interaction. The geometric design mirrors the natural canopy of a forest, enhancing the sense of enclosure and privacy within individual units while promoting a shared community atmosphere.

**Materiality and Sustainability**
Key materials in the construction include reinforced concrete for structural stability, glass to enhance natural light and visual connectivity, sustainable wood to introduce warmth and align with ecological principles, and metal accents for durability. This thoughtful selection not only fortifies the structural integrity of the project but also emphasizes a commitment to sustainability through energy-efficient practices. The overall design incorporates biophilic elements that strengthen residents' connection to nature, thereby promoting well-being and fostering an environmentally conscious living space.

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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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