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 Framework and Transparent Glass Partitions Create Versatile Living Capsules for Urban Communities

Author:
Agathi Soliati
Modular Steel Framework and Transparent Glass Partitions Create Versatile Living Capsules for Urban Communities

Project in-detail

Constructed with a modular steel framework and integrated glass partitions, this urban living solution offers versatile capsules designed to foster community engagement among students and festival attendees.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular capsules are designed for flexible use, allowing rapid reconfiguration based on seasonal demands.
02
The integration of communal gathering spaces fosters social interaction among residents during events.
03
Sustainable materials, such as steel and glass, are utilized to enhance durability and environmental performance.
04
Each capsule type serves a specific function, catering to diverse needs including leisure, hygiene, and storage.
05
Transparent glass partitions promote natural light and visual connection within the living environment.

### Overview
Located in a vibrant urban area with significant cultural activity, the project aims to address the needs of students and festival attendees by providing adaptable living and communal spaces. The design prioritizes multifunctionality and connectivity, creating an environment conducive to social interaction and engagement during both everyday life and festival events.

### Spatial Strategy
Central to the design is a modular capsule system, termed "amenities capsules," which allows for flexible use according to seasonal demands and the varied lifestyles of residents. The layout integrates living quarters with communal facilities, promoting a 24/7 lifestyle that accommodates diverse activities. This approach not only supports the transient nature of student living but also enhances the overall functionality by bridging temporary housing needs with permanent cultural infrastructures.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project features a blend of structural components with a focus on sustainability. Key material choices include a steel framework for structural resilience, metal decking for durability and modular assembly, and glass partitions that enhance natural lighting and visual connectivity. Prefabricated panels in capsule construction facilitate quick installation, aligning with eco-friendly practices by minimizing waste and maximizing recyclability. This materiality underlines the commitment to reducing the ecological footprint associated with urban housing while promoting adaptability for future use.

### Functional Components
The design includes six distinct capsule types, each serving a specific role:
- **Bar Capsule**: Designed for social gatherings, adaptable for various events.
- **Kitchen Capsule**: Addresses cooking needs, fostering self-sustainability.
- **Laundry Capsule**: Provides hygiene facilities to residents.
- **Changing Room Capsule**: Ensures privacy during events.
- **Bedroom Capsule**: Offers flexible sleeping arrangements.
- **Equipment Capsule**: Serves as storage for festival gear.

Circulation pathways within the design are strategically placed to create a sense of community, encouraging interactions among residents while balancing functional movement with social connectivity. The adaptability of spaces allows for transformation based on varying needs, further solidifying the project's commitment to multifunctional urban living.

### Unique Features
The project successfully integrates living spaces with event zones, reflecting the culture of festivals within everyday life. Consideration of environmental connectivity is evident in the design, with outdoor areas complementing residential activities. The dual focus on sustainability and modularity situates the project as a progressive model for future urban housing solutions.

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