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Modular Habitat Units in Repurposed Warehouses

Authors:
László Belkovits, Attila Batári, Bernadett Krizsó, Gergő Bauer
Modular Habitat Units in Repurposed Warehouses

Project in-detail

Repurposed warehouses serve as the foundation for modular habitat units that prioritize flexibility and community interaction, addressing the urgent need for affordable living spaces in San Francisco.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes existing warehouse structures for new residential use Incorporates modular units designed for up to four residents Features flexible, foldable furniture to maximize living space Promotes community engagement through shared facilities Utilizes natural light and ventilation to enhance livability.

The design focuses on solving the housing crisis in San Francisco and the Bay Area by turning unused warehouse spaces into small, livable apartments. The overall idea emphasizes a modular strategy that adapts to the needs of residents. This approach aims to repurpose existing industrial buildings, creating sustainable and affordable housing within a dense urban landscape.

Conceptual Framework

The project centers on the transformation of vacant warehouses into functional living spaces. By preserving the existing architectural features, it reflects a response to the historical challenges of housing in the city. These challenges are greatly influenced by zoning laws from the 1960s that have shaped the current landscape. The design emphasizes efficiency and seeks to create a strong sense of community in the urban environment.

Design Layout

Living units are designed to accommodate up to four people, integrating essential amenities like kitchenettes and bathrooms within a compact area. Flexible design is key, with foldable furniture that allows spaces to serve multiple purposes. For example, dining areas can be arranged to function as living spaces or workstations, catering to the growing demand for adaptable living quarters in urban settings.

Implementation Phases

The implementation process is structured into five main phases. The first phase, Preparation, involves converting the industrial environment into a residential area that enhances natural light and airflow while maintaining important structural elements. During the second phase, known as Planting, core living units are established as prototypes for future growth.

In the Growth phase, communal facilities such as workshops will be built to promote collaboration among residents. This is followed by the Bloom phase, where future residents will participate in designing additional community spaces like kitchens. The final phase, Fruit, sees temporary setups transition into permanent functions, thereby improving the overall living conditions for everyone in the community.

The design creates flexible units that adapt to individual lifestyles and changing urban demographics. By integrating both private and shared spaces, it promotes social interaction, enhancing the quality of life for residents. The focus on community-oriented design not only addresses immediate housing needs but also fosters a connected living experience.

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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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