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Micro-Parks and Modular Housing in a Fractal Urban Environment

Authors:
Sam Maloney, Steven Prestejohn, Rita Doummar, Michelle Morsicato
Micro-Parks and Modular Housing in a Fractal Urban Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing a fractal urban model, the development integrates modular housing with micro-parks and community spaces, fostering affordable living in a responsive coastal urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fractal urban model allows for organic growth and adaptation.
02
Modular housing units are prefabricated for efficient assembly.
03
Community spaces are designed to foster social interaction among residents.
04
Micro-parks provide accessible green areas within the urban fabric.
05
Cooperative housing model ensures affordability through nonprofit involvement.

The design concept addresses the pressing need for affordable housing in coastal urban areas that are rapidly expanding. Using a framework called Fractal Urbanism, the approach allows the urban environment to adjust and grow over time. By blending residential units with community and public spaces, the plan aims to create a lively and connected atmosphere that serves the needs of diverse populations.

Fractal Urbanism as a Design Principle
At the core of the design are distinct elements known as "pixels," which include residential units, community spaces, public areas, adaptable interiors, co-working spaces, wellness studios, balconies, shared laundry facilities, community gardens, and retail spaces. This varied mix is designed to improve the quality of life in urban areas, accommodating a range of activities and addressing the needs of different groups while encouraging social interactions.

Economic Efficiency in Construction
Economic considerations play a significant role in this approach, focusing on effective construction and logistics. Prefabricated units are set to be built and transported at lower costs compared to traditional methods. Utilizing existing infrastructures, such as piers that can be modified for shipping, allows for quick assembly of modular components. This efficiency promotes timely connections to vital utilities.

Cooperative Housing Model
A cooperative housing model is central to maintaining affordability for residents. By allowing municipalities to transfer land to experienced nonprofit groups, a land trust system can be established to support housing stability. Tenants may buy shares or pay membership fees, with the nonprofit offering important subsidies. This model encourages collective ownership while fostering community ties and investment in the local environment.

The design also focuses on combining public and private spaces to enhance social interactions. Features like micro-parks, community gardens, and co-working spaces are incorporated to create inviting areas that promote engagement among residents. The layout leads to a carefully arranged environment where living, working, and socializing become part of a cohesive urban experience, enriching daily life for all who inhabit it.

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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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