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Modular Homes With Recycled Steel and Native Plant Landscaping Along Urban Riverfront

Author:
Charles Randolf Hope
Modular Homes With Recycled Steel and Native Plant Landscaping Along Urban Riverfront

Project in-detail

Constructed with modular units of recycled steel and complemented by native landscaping, the design revitalizes an underutilized urban riverfront, serving as a sustainable solution for affordable housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units utilize recycled steel for enhanced sustainability and cost-efficiency.
02
Innovative bridges connect communities while promoting pedestrian and cyclist access.
03
Native landscaping integrates with the riverfront ecosystem, supporting local biodiversity.
04
Smart lighting systems are incorporated for energy efficiency and public safety.
05
The design prioritizes climate-responsive features to mitigate urban heat effects.

### Overview
The project "LA Riviera" addresses the urgent need for affordable housing within Los Angeles, specifically targeting the concrete banks of the Los Angeles River from the East Fourth Street Bridge to the L Street Viaduct. This initiative is designed to mitigate housing shortages while fostering environmental sustainability and enhancing community engagement through thoughtful architectural practices.

### Spatial Strategy and Connectivity
The proposed design incorporates modular residential units arranged in a stacked configuration, optimizing land use and economic feasibility. Integral to this plan are the bridges that span the Los Angeles River, serving as crucial connections between neighborhoods and enhancing traffic flow. These structures promote accessibility to nearby services and resources, contributing to an integrated urban fabric that emphasizes pedestrian and cyclist mobility.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A diverse selection of materials reinforces the project's commitment to sustainability, prioritizing local resources and eco-friendly options. Recycled steel is utilized for structural components to minimize the environmental impact, while lightweight concrete is chosen for its durability and thermal efficiency. High-performance glazing elements enhance natural light while improving energy efficiency, and natural stone accents are incorporated to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. Additionally, green roof systems are integrated for effective stormwater management and to enhance local biodiversity.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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