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Micro-Climate Community With Modular Construction and Green Spaces

Author:
Gaby Khoriaty
Micro-Climate Community With Modular Construction and Green Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing modular construction and implementing a micro-climate strategy, the development houses over 1,300 units alongside interactive green spaces and co-working areas to foster community engagement in a densely populated urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Housing over 1,300 diverse residential units within a single MEGAblock.
02
Incorporates advanced rain harvesting systems for efficient water management.
03
Focuses on creating a micro-climate to enhance indoor environmental quality.
04
Features green interactive social platforms across multiple levels.
05
Developed using a modular construction approach for rapid assembly and reduced waste.

The design integrates passive eco-friendly solutions to enhance urban living conditions in a densely populated city. Central to the concept is the creation of a micro-climate, achieved through systems for rain harvesting, natural light use, and ventilation control. A MEGAblock houses around 1,300 residential units of different sizes, accompanied by social platforms, gardens, co-working spaces, and lively frontages. This approach aims to improve quality of life while keeping costs manageable.

Modular Construction

The project adopts a modular construction strategy, focusing on prefabrication. This choice allows for adaptability to various site conditions and different accessibility needs. By using modern prefabricated methods, the design can be built quickly and produces less waste compared to traditional construction. This efficient approach aligns well with the growing emphasis on sustainability in the industry.

Design Process and Typology

The design process begins with a careful analysis of what potential residents need. This analysis leads to identifying optimal space-to-occupant ratios. Three basic forms were developed, which can be arranged in many ways, both horizontally and vertically. This flexibility allows configurations that respond to specific site features and user requirements, considering aspects like views, noise, and access.

Community Engagement

A key focus is enhancing community interaction. Green interactive social platforms are spread throughout the various levels of the building. These shared spaces promote environmental awareness and encourage social connections among residents. The inclusion of gardens and co-working spaces helps foster collaboration and a sense of community in an urban setting.

Textures and Surfaces

Attention to textures and surfaces adds visual interest to the design. Various facade treatments create dynamic light patterns and enhance thermal comfort inside the residential units. This thoughtful arrangement promotes a cohesive look that ties into the surrounding urban area while emphasizing a commitment to sustainable architectural practices.

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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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