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Modular Community Living with Emphasis on Permeability and Urban Integration

Author:
Sofia Berumen kiehnle
Modular Community Living with Emphasis on Permeability and Urban Integration

Project in-detail

The modular design prioritizes permeability and urban integration, allowing residents to experience strong connections to the surrounding environment while providing essential housing solutions in Berlin's Kreuzberg neighborhood.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular construction allows for scalability and quick assembly.
02
Design promotes strong visual connections to the nearby river Spree.
03
Interior routes enhance movement and user interaction within the complex.
04
Strategic voids create natural light and ventilation throughout the units.
05
Emphasis on urban integration fosters a sense of community within the neighborhood.

FLUSS is located in Kreuzberg, a lively neighborhood in Berlin facing a notable real estate crisis marked by high demand for housing and limited supply. The design proposes a modular housing complex that provides a practical solution to meet urban living needs. By allowing for easy construction and replication, the project addresses the current challenges while enhancing community life.

Architectural Concept

The main idea behind FLUSS is to foster connectivity and permeability. These elements facilitate a strong connection between residential units, the streets, and the nearby river Spree. The design employs voids that create pathways and enhance the flow of space. This thoughtful arrangement encourages movement and offers visual access to the surrounding natural landscape, contributing to a lively urban experience.

Spatial Configuration

The arrangement of the complex emphasizes porosity. This feature allows for clear views that connect residents to both the river and the significant landmarks in the area, such as the Fernseheturm. By promoting visual links, the design improves daily life and encourages interaction with the broader environment. This approach successfully balances the need for privacy with opportunities for community engagement.

Modularity and Efficiency

The use of modular design distinguishes FLUSS from other housing solutions. This method enables quick assembly and flexibility, which is essential for adapting to the varied conditions of urban settings. Modular components not only speed up construction times but also serve as an effective response to the urgent housing needs in Berlin, showcasing a commitment to sustainable development.

Integration with the Urban Landscape

The project is carefully integrated into the urban environment. Its open and porous structure invites dialogue with the neighborhood, positively impacting both the residents’ experiences and the character of the area. By prioritizing fluidity, the design enhances connections, offering residents views that encourage interaction with both the interior and exterior of the complex.

The careful arrangement of spaces and light within FLUSS highlights how thoughtful design can create a welcoming environment. It addresses the needs of residents while harmonizing with the surrounding community.

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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

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