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Modular Solar Tiles Enhance Communal Living Among Historic Courtyards

Author:
Abel Maqueira
Modular Solar Tiles Enhance Communal Living Among Historic Courtyards
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Modular solar tiles integrate with Haussmannian architecture to create communal living units that enhance urban density and social connectivity in the heart of Paris.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular solar tiles facilitate energy efficiency in urban housing.
02
Design incorporates Haussmannian parti-walls for contextual integration.
03
Open roof decks provide communal outdoor spaces for residents.
04
Elevator cores located within courtyards enhance social interaction.
05
Communal living units promote shared facilities and collaboration.

The design responds to the existing housing needs in Paris, located within the city's historical context. It aims to integrate new living spaces while respecting the character of the surrounding architecture. The concept centers around a careful adjustment to height, enabling the city to accommodate contemporary living demands while preserving its historical integrity.

Height Augmentation

The strategy proposes an increase in height by adding a single storey to existing buildings in a methodical manner. This block-by-block approach allows for gradual changes in the urban landscape, blending new units into the historic fabric. By using variations in height from neighboring structures, the design facilitates the addition of 1 to 2 storeys that align with the established skyline.

Access and Circulation

Interior circulation is critical to the design, with access to the new housing units managed through elevator and stair cores situated within the interior courtyards. This setup supports easy movement for residents and encourages social interactions. The communal access points enhance a sense of community, creating connections between various areas and promoting engagement among inhabitants.

Communal Living Spaces

Modern urban lifestyles are reflected in the design's communal units, featuring shared kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas complemented by private bedrooms. This arrangement promotes social connections among residents, aligning with current trends in collaborative living. The interior courtyards also include communal hubs, which offer spaces for gathering and interaction.

Roofscape and Outdoor Integration

An important feature is the roofscape, designed with cut-out areas that create communal outdoor spaces. These open decks serve as extensions of the living areas, providing residents with opportunities for recreation and socializing outdoors. This approach enhances livability, allowing for enjoyment of fresh air and interaction within the community.

The design employs a perimeter truss system that anchors to the existing parti wall, allowing for a stable union with the historic buildings below. This structural decision minimizes disruption while preserving the surroundings. Additionally, the project includes a modular solar tile system that aims to improve energy efficiency and offers flexibility in design.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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