Get inspired!

17,196 architecture projects

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

Modular Living Over Highways With Steel Service Towers and Green Spaces

Authors:
Maha Atef, Wafaa Nadim, Joy Samuel, Yara Salama
Modular Living Over Highways With Steel Service Towers and Green Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed over existing highways, the design utilizes modular steel units and integrated green spaces to provide affordable and adaptable urban living solutions that enhance community connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed over highway intersections to maximize land use.
02
Utilizes modular steel units for rapid assembly and adaptability.
03
Incorporates concrete service towers for efficient utility management.
04
Features integrated green spaces to enhance urban livability.
05
Design promotes a zero commuting concept by combining living and working environments.
The project "Link: Sydney's Future Catalyst" represents a significant architectural endeavor aimed at addressing urban challenges such as housing affordability, sustainability, and land utilization in Sydney, Australia. The design incorporates modular housing solutions that integrate into existing city structures, emphasizing a seamless blend of form and function. By focusing on adaptable living spaces, this project seeks to transform urban living by providing affordable, flexible housing options for a diverse population.

Modular Housing Solutions

The crux of Link lies in its modular housing concept. Each unit is designed with a grid dimension of 4.5 x 4.5 meters, allowing diverse configurations from single occupancy to family accommodation. This adaptability not only meets contemporary housing demands but also facilitates efficient use of limited urban land. The configuration of the housing units promotes community interaction while ensuring privacy through the integration of shared spaces and communal areas.

Significantly, the project’s inclusion of construction over highways demonstrates an innovative approach to utilizing overlooked urban spaces. This solution not only maximizes land use but also potentially revitalizes areas that may otherwise remain vacant or underutilized. Such a comprehensive strategy provides an opportunity to enhance the urban fabric while tackling housing shortages in metropolitan contexts.

Sustainable Design Principles

Sustainability is a pillar of this architectural project. The design employs a skeleton steel structure supported by prefabricated L-Angle Assemblies, facilitating rapid construction and minimizing onsite waste. Concrete service towers are strategically placed to house essential utilities, optimizing space while reducing the overall footprint of the housing units. Furthermore, the integration of green spaces, including gardens and communal areas, enhances both environmental quality and livability.

The design’s commitment to creating a "Zero Commuting Concept" underscores a forward-thinking approach to urban living. By situating residential and workspaces in close proximity, the project aims to improve the quality of life for residents through reduced reliance on transportation.

Link is distinguished by its focus on affordability and inclusivity. The project addresses socioeconomic disparities by creating low-income housing options while ensuring that these residences do not compromise on quality or access to amenities. This principled approach enhances urban integration and promotes social equity.

For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, and designs of the project, readers are encouraged to explore the presentation of Link: Sydney's Future Catalyst. Detailed examinations of its architectural ideas reveal a comprehensive vision for urban living that is practical, sustainable, and community-oriented.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
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
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 17,196 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