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Modular Living Spaces Filling Urban Gaps

Author:
Xuecheng Cai
Modular Living Spaces Filling Urban Gaps

Project in-detail

Filling narrow urban gaps, the modular construction harnesses prefabricated units to create flexible and functional living spaces that address housing needs in densely populated areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for rapid assembly and customization.
02
Two distinct module sizes optimize space utilization.
03
Balcony integrates outdoor living with urban views.
04
Flexible layout supports diverse resident needs.
05
Strategic placement enhances community interaction.

The Interstice project offers a practical solution to the challenges of living in a crowded city. Located in an area like Paris, the design focuses on fitting within the spaces found between existing buildings. By doing so, it aims to create usable homes that respond to the needs of urban life. The overall concept revolves around modular construction, allowing for flexibility in the design while addressing housing shortages in a smart way.

Architecture Concept

The building features a narrow and elongated shape, making the most of limited space. It consists of two types of modules: a small size at 1.6m x 3.2m and a larger option measuring 3.2m x 3.2m. These modules are made in a factory and can be assembled on-site, which makes them easy to customize for varying resident needs. This design approach helps in creating an efficient living environment that can adapt as necessary.

Spatial Arrangement

Inside, the layout is organized and accessible, promoting easy movement throughout the building. Key areas include communal spaces for interaction and private rooms for quiet. The arrangement includes essential features like living areas, a gallery kitchen, bedrooms, guest bathrooms, and storage, forming a functional and comfortable home for those living there.

Urban Integration

The design aims to tackle land use challenges in urban neighborhoods that have developed over time. By utilizing space that might otherwise go unused, it helps address housing shortages while breathing new life into the urban landscape. The modular construction technique plays a crucial role in this response, providing an efficient way to meet the demand for housing while respecting the surrounding environment.

Design Detail

A noteworthy feature of the building is its balcony that extends from the living space, offering residents a personal outdoor area. This element adds to the visual appeal and fosters a connection to the bustling city outside. It also creates a practical space for relaxation, enriching the living experience and making urban life more enjoyable.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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