Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Modular Living Above the City with Integrated Community Spaces

Authors:
Stefan Snedeker, Alejandro Salas, Pedro Duarte
Modular Living Above the City with Integrated Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Elevated above the bustling streets, this modular structure integrates community-centric public spaces with a grid system that maximizes living units, offering an efficient solution to urban housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units stacked vertically to maximize land use.
02
Integrated public plazas enhance community interaction.
03
Sustainability features include solar roofs and rainwater collection.
04
Strategic use of a grid system for structural efficiency.
05
Elevated design minimizes site disruption and preserves views.

The design located in London seeks to address the urgent need for housing, as the city faces a demand that exceeds three million homes. Centered around Balfron Tower, the proposal features a modular mega-structure aimed at easing housing shortages while ensuring compatibility with the surrounding urban environment. The overall design focuses on flexibility and adaptability, allowing for vertical stacking and varied living spaces that align with the traditional backdrop of the city.

Concept and Structure

At the center of the design is a grid system that acts as the basis for the structure. This grid overlays the existing urban landscape, helping to blend the new development with its surroundings. The arrangement allows for the stacking of modules, providing stability while maximizing the use of space above ground. These vertical masts serve critical structural roles and also accommodate mechanical systems, which helps streamline operations throughout the building.

Community-Centric Spaces

Public areas are an important aspect of this design. They foster social connections and build a sense of community among residents. Plazas and promenades are arranged between the towers, encouraging movement and interaction among users. These shared spaces provide places for leisure and socializing, allowing people to enjoy their neighborhood while accessing shops and other services nearby.

Sustainability Initiatives

The design places emphasis on environmentally friendly practices. Features like solar roofs on the living units reduce the need for traditional energy. Additionally, the collection of rainwater maintains green public spaces, supporting responsible resource use. Such measures lower the overall environmental impact and promote sustainability within the urban setting.

Material Consideration

While specific materials are not mentioned, the approach to the structure highlights a focus on durability and efficiency. The modular design aims to provide long-lasting solutions that require minimal maintenance in an urban environment.

The elevated structure offers expansive views of the city and allows ample natural light into shared spaces. This quality enhances the living experience and fosters a welcoming atmosphere for all residents.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy