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Modular Living Spaces with Integrated Greenery and Customizable Pod Configurations

Authors:
Felipe Ayala, Felipe Ayala, Alex Sarmiento, Claire Nguyen, Sebastian Quiñones
Modular Living Spaces with Integrated Greenery and Customizable Pod Configurations

Project in-detail

With a focus on modular living, the design integrates customizable Pods within a Lattice framework that fosters green spaces, ultimately creating an adaptable environment for family residences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pods can be configured in various arrangements to adapt to different site conditions.
02
The design incorporates a Lattice framework for efficient spatial organization.
03
Sustainable practices allow for easy integration of green spaces throughout the layout.
04
Flexible Starter Tree design accommodates changing family dynamics over time.
05
Branches facilitate connection between Pods, enhancing communal outdoor areas.

The design emphasizes a modular approach to living in urban spaces, focusing on community interaction and the growing challenges of high-density environments. Located in a contemporary urban setting, it integrates three main components: Pods, Trunks, and Branches. The concept aims to create adaptable living spaces that enhance sustainability and promote relationships among residents.

Pods
Pods are versatile units in the design, allowing for various configurations such as stacking or rotating. This flexibility makes it easy to adjust the arrangement according to specific site conditions. By encouraging connections between indoor and outdoor areas, Pods help to create a lively atmosphere. The inclusion of voids not only improves airflow but also lets in natural light, ensuring that the interiors remain spacious and welcoming. With open ground spaces and high ceilings, the design fosters a pleasant interaction with the surrounding environment.

Trunks
Trunks serve as central access points for residents and necessary utility services. Their design efficiently maximizes usable space while reducing the costs associated with infrastructure. By acting as pathways for movement and access to essential services, Trunks enhance the overall functionality of the residence. This focus on practical use enables inhabitants to navigate their living environment comfortably.

Branches
Branches connect the Pods, enhancing the project's ecological features. They introduce green spaces that promote outdoor experiences and encourage community engagement. The more Branches included, the greater the potential for creating accessible gardens and parks. By making green areas a priority, the design addresses the issue of urban sprawl while fostering a relationship between people and nature, ultimately enriching the sense of community.

Lattice Framework
The design is supported by a Lattice framework that acts as a guiding structure, influencing the spatial organization and scaling of the entire concept. This grid defines how Pods, Trunks, and Branches are arranged, allowing for adaptability to different land shapes and community needs. The framework facilitates future modifications, ensuring that the living spaces can grow and change alongside the families who use them.

The Starter Tree configuration demonstrates the design’s emphasis on flexibility. It features one Trunk and six Pods, allowing residents to personalize their living arrangements. As the needs of families change, new Pods can be added or existing ones adjusted. This approach creates an evolving space that encourages growth and interaction, supporting a vibrant community atmosphere.

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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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