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Mounted Platforms Enhancing Community Space in Urban Settings

Authors:
Adriana itzel Uribe ramos, Ariel Sarria gonzález, Javier Reyes garcía, Roberto Rodríguez bravo
Mounted Platforms Enhancing Community Space in Urban Settings

Project in-detail

Mounted platforms create additional living space in urban environments, transforming existing structures into adaptable community housing that accommodates diverse resident needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mounted platforms allow for the expansion of existing urban structures without new land use.
02
The design prioritizes adaptability for various resident demographics, including singles, couples, and families.
03
Special focus on integrating community spaces promotes social interaction among residents.
04
Configurations include dedicated units for students, addressing their unique housing needs.
05
Each module emphasizes efficient circulation to enhance accessibility in dense urban settings.

The design offers a thoughtful response to the pressing issue of housing in crowded urban areas. It aims to fulfill the basic need for shelter while emphasizing functionality and adaptability in living spaces. This approach addresses the challenges of affordability without sacrificing usability. By reimagining existing structures, the project encourages connections between individuals and their communities while making the most of limited urban space.

Conceptual Framework

The design is built on the idea of "blurring limits," which allows for a closer connection between users and their environments. This concept makes it easier for people to engage with nature and interact with one another. By suggesting the addition of mounted platforms on existing buildings, the approach effectively tackles spatial constraints while also increasing the availability of housing.

Design Variability

Modular units are designed for different types of residents, such as singles, couples, families, and students. Each space is tailored to meet specific needs, providing flexibility while promoting a sense of belonging. For example, Single’s Departments offer privacy, while Couple's Departments accommodate the varying requirements of both younger and older couples. Additionally, the design includes units for small and large families, as well as specialized spaces for students.

Spatial Integration

The context for this design includes key urban areas like Tower Hamlets, Islington, and City London. In Tower Hamlets, the plan consists of 30 vertical modules emphasizing movement and accessibility. In Islington, 16 half modules are proposed to create small park-like areas, enhancing green space. For City London, 84 modules are proposed as an effective use of parking lot areas. Each design reflects a thoughtful consideration of the unique characteristics of its surroundings.

Sustainable Practices

The project emphasizes sustainable construction methods through its modular nature, offering flexibility in building techniques. While specific materials are not outlined, the project focuses on practical design and environmental awareness. This approach aligns with recent trends in architecture that favor efficiency and sustainability. The end result is a series of living spaces that not only meet resident needs but also encourage community interactions in thoughtfully designed communal areas.

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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
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