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Modular Community Living Enhanced by Recycled Hardwood and Glass Façades

Author:
Thomas Atkinson
Modular Community Living Enhanced by Recycled Hardwood and Glass Façades

Project in-detail

With a distinctive modular design that seamlessly integrates recycled hardwood and expansive glass façades, the development offers a vibrant community-focused approach to affordable urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units are designed to accommodate varying family sizes, promoting flexibility in urban living.
02
Extensive use of recycled hardwood enhances sustainability while providing warmth to the interior spaces.
03
Enclosed walkways connect the towers, facilitating movement and encouraging community interaction.
04
Rooftop gardens are integrated into the design, fostering biodiversity and outdoor social spaces for residents.
05
Each unit maximizes natural ventilation and light through strategically placed glass façades.
The Circle View Towers project is a well-conceived architectural initiative located in Toronto, Canada, designed to address the urgent need for affordable housing. This project represents a thoughtful response to contemporary urban challenges, blending innovative design with practical functionality. With a focus on communal living, the architecture emphasizes the importance of connectivity among residents while ensuring that individual needs are met within urban environments.

The overall function of the Circle View Towers is to provide affordable housing through a modular design, allowing for flexibility and adaptability. Each living unit is efficiently crafted to maximize space while delivering the essentials for modern living. The project comprises a series of interconnected modules, designed to support both single occupants and families, thereby fostering a diverse community.

In terms of architectural details, the Circle View Towers makes effective use of materials, integrating recycled hardwood for window frames and other finishes, which enhances sustainability while contributing to the aesthetic appeal of the design. Steel serves as the primary structural material, ensuring durability and resilience, while extensive glass facades facilitate a connection to the external environment, enhancing natural light flow and allowing for visual interaction with the surroundings.

The design embodies a modular concept where each unit spans approximately 375 square feet, enabling combinations of up to six units to accommodate larger families or shared living arrangements. This modular approach not only contributes to the overall affordability of the project but also allows for variations in living spaces, catering to different lifestyles and household compositions. Public spaces are thoughtfully incorporated, including rooftop gardens that promote social interaction and community engagement, inviting residents to enjoy shared outdoor areas amidst the urban landscape.

An important aspect of the Circle View Towers is the innovative connectivity provided through enclosed walkways between the towers. These connections serve to enhance movement and interaction among residents, reinforcing the communal aspect of the design while maintaining individual privacy. The layout of the project has been designed to balance shared communal living with the privacy that residents desire, resulting in a cohesive living environment.

Further, the project explores sustainable design principles through its use of environmentally conscious materials and consideration of local ecological impacts. By integrating green spaces both on rooftops and within the architectural framework, the design promotes biodiversity and contributes positively to the urban ecosystem.

What makes the Circle View Towers project noteworthy is its comprehensive approach to designing affordable housing. It encapsulates a harmonious blend of architectural integrity, environmental consideration, and social connectivity. The unique modular system, combined with innovative use of materials, establishes a new paradigm for urban housing that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

For those interested in gaining deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and overall fabric of this project, detailed presentations are available to explore further. The Circle View Towers illustrates how architecture can meet the needs of urban populations while emphasizing community, sustainability, and new design ideas. This project stands as a practical model for future affordable housing solutions.
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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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