Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Modular Steel Frames Empowering Flexible Urban Living

Author:
Nimit Gandhi
Modular Steel Frames Empowering Flexible Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing prefabricated steel frames, the design incorporates a modular system that allows for flexible living arrangements, fostering community connections in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for 26 interchangeable typologies to suit diverse living needs.
02
Prefabricated steel frames support a threefold expansion mechanism for adaptability.
03
Designed to integrate with existing structures, minimizing land development needs.
04
A time-based ownership model aligns costs with occupancy duration for affordability.
05
Communal spaces enhance social interaction, fostering community engagement among residents.

"Restock Reconnect Reside" presents a fresh approach to urban living by focusing on modular design and social interaction. Set within a dynamic urban environment, the project reimagines how people can live together in a community. Its primary aim is to create adaptable living spaces that foster connections among residents, reflecting the inclusivity of modern life.

Modularity and Flexibility

The design incorporates a modular system that uses prefabricated steel frames. These frames provide both strength and adaptability. With a threefold expansion system in place, users have the option to choose from 26 different dwelling typologies. This flexibility allows for personalization, letting residents tailor their living spaces according to their needs and preferences.

Integration with Existing Urban Fabric

A key feature of the project is its ability to incorporate existing structures. The living units can be connected to host buildings, reducing the need for new land development. This strategy not only makes efficient use of resources but also enhances the relationship between new and old constructions. By utilizing what is already present, the design minimizes environmental impact and promotes sustainability.

Affordability and Time-Based Ownership

The project also introduces a time-based ownership model, aligning costs with how long residents occupy their homes. This structure provides an affordable option for living arrangements that can adjust as life circumstances change. By offering flexibility, the design aims to support a diverse range of users, making urban living more accessible.

Central to the design are communal spaces that encourage social interaction among residents. These areas act as gathering spots, promoting a sense of belonging and community within the larger urban landscape. By facilitating connections, the project embodies the spirit of collective living in a contemporary city setting.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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