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Living Systems With Steel and Beech In Urban Regeneration

Author:
James Bell
Living Systems With Steel and Beech In Urban Regeneration

Project in-detail

Combining living systems with steel and beech, this urban regeneration initiative in London redefines the relationship between individual and communal spaces, creating adaptable residential environments that foster community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates living cells to enhance community engagement.
02
Adaptable façades designed to evolve over time.
03
Features distinct segmentation into transitional and value spaces.
04
Constructed with a focus on sustainability and urban responsiveness.
05
Utilizes a combination of steel framing and warm beech finishes.

The design at 69-71 Bondway is located in an urban area of London, where it aims to offer a new perspective on city living. The project integrates living cells within its overall structure, bridging the gap between individual and communal spaces. It takes inspiration from the traditional design of terrace houses, while introducing a fresh approach to how people engage with their surroundings.

Conceptual Framework
The main idea behind the design is to create a system that adapts to the needs of residents in the city. Living cells are incorporated as key elements, promoting a balance between personal sections and shared community spaces. This approach encourages connections among occupants, allowing for both interaction and privacy.

Spatial Organization
Inside, the layout is well-structured, organized into different spaces for various purposes. Transitional, preparational, and value spaces help optimize how residents experience their homes. Each area is designed to support specific activities, ensuring that movement throughout the building feels natural and fluid, in line with everyday life.

Material Choices
The selection of materials plays a crucial role in the project. A steel frame forms the backbone, offering strong support. Columns and crossmembers add stability, while concrete serves as the foundation floors. Beech wood is used to finish the interiors, creating a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the livability of the spaces.

Design Evolution
Adaptability is a key feature of the design. The façades contain living cells that can change and grow over time, allowing the structure to blend with the surrounding environment. This method reflects a modern understanding of community living, where the building not only serves its occupants but also responds to the changing dynamics of urban life.

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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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