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Modular Living Units with Community-Centric Design

Author:
Şeyma Çimen
Modular Living Units with Community-Centric Design

Project in-detail

With its modular living units designed for flexibility and a focus on community collaboration, this development addresses affordable housing needs in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units can be added or removed based on resident needs.
02
Prefabricated components streamline the construction process and reduce costs.
03
Design encourages active resident involvement in shaping communal spaces.
04
Living units vary in sizes to accommodate diverse household types.
05
Vertical and horizontal expansions offer flexibility to adapt to changing demands.

The + - Housing project addresses the significant challenge of affordable housing in San Francisco. It features a modular design system that allows for the construction and adaptation of residential units. The project prioritizes functionality and community involvement, creating a living environment that can evolve to meet the needs of diverse urban residents. By focusing on adaptability and customization, the design aims to provide practical solutions in a dense urban context.

Modularity and Adaptability

The heart of the concept lies in its modular components, capable of expanding both horizontally and vertically. This flexibility permits various building configurations, catering to different site conditions and demographic profiles. Prefabricated parts can be assembled into a range of structures, from standalone homes to larger towers. Such versatility helps respond effectively to the changing demands for housing in an urban setting where space is often limited.

Customization of Living Spaces

Customization is a notable feature in the design. Residents have the opportunity to adjust their living spaces according to their lifestyles. The project includes multiple housing unit types, varying in size to fit different needs. For instance, Living Unit 1 measures 12.5 m², Living Unit 2 measures 18.75 m², Living Unit 3 is 25 m², and Living Unit 4 is 43.75 m². This range helps accommodate individuals, couples, and families, ensuring that everyone finds a suitable living arrangement.

Structural Framework

An efficient structural framework supports each housing unit. The primary structural module forms the base, complemented by secondary structural members that provide additional support. This combination allows for flexible interior layouts that can be easily modified when necessary. Different wall and floor types help define personal areas while allowing for visual separation. This thoughtful planning gives residents a balance of private and communal experiences in their homes.

Community Engagement

Community engagement is a significant aspect of the design. The project encourages residents to take part in shaping shared spaces. This participation fosters a sense of ownership and encourages collaboration among neighbors. By integrating communal areas that serve essential social functions, the design promotes interaction among residents. It addresses not just housing needs but also helps build a stronger community connection.

The outcome is a living environment that not only meets individual housing demands but also cultivates a sense of togetherness. Modular units and shared spaces are designed to facilitate interaction, making them more than just places to live—they become vibrant parts of community life.

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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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