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Multicultural Living Reinforced by Concrete and Glass in Affordable Housing

Author:
Jiale Tang
Multicultural Living Reinforced by Concrete and Glass in Affordable Housing

Project in-detail

Constructed from concrete and glass, the multi-generational housing in Berlin's Wedding District offers barrier-free living spaces designed to enhance community interaction and accessibility in an affordable residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community spaces promote interaction among residents.
02
Multi-generational housing design accommodates diverse family structures.
03
Barrier-free apartments enhance accessibility for all residents.
04
Safety features include well-lit communal areas for security.
05
Materials reflect local architectural heritage and sustainability.

The project addresses the need for affordable housing in Berlin’s Wedding District, an area recognized for its good transportation links and moderate property prices. This location provides an opportunity to create a welcoming environment for a varied population. The design aims to support community interaction through multi-generational and multi-cultural housing solutions. By combining private living spaces with shared amenities, the development seeks to strengthen the social connections among residents.

Site Analysis and Integration

The analysis of the site reveals several advantages that are important for the project. It is close to essential public services, including schools, clinics, and recreational facilities. These elements are crucial for enhancing the quality of life for future residents, allowing for easy access to daily needs. The design aims to take full advantage of these resources, supporting an environment where community engagement can flourish.

Housing Design and Community Spaces

The residential units are planned to be barrier-free, making them accessible for a range of household types, including singles and families. Common areas such as laundry rooms, fitness centers, and roof gardens are important features. These spaces invite residents to connect with each other and promote a sense of belonging. The placement of these amenities is intentional, ensuring they encourage interaction while providing essential services.

Safety Considerations

Given the safety issues known in the Wedding District, the design places importance on creating secure communal spaces. The layout focuses on providing well-lit areas that promote visibility and connectivity. Quiet, inviting spaces for gatherings are key to building community pride. Attention to these details aims to reduce feelings of uncertainty and encourage a supportive neighborhood culture.

Materials and Aesthetic Qualities

The materials chosen for the project include concrete, wood, lime, glass, and marble. Each material plays a role that enhances both functionality and visual appeal. Concrete offers durability, while wood adds warmth and a more inviting atmosphere. The use of lime and marble reflects the local architectural heritage. These choices not only connect the building to its surroundings but also aim to improve the experience of those who live there.

The combination of these materials leads to an engaging facade that meets practical needs and creates a pleasing environment. The design reflects the lively character of the community, inviting residents to make it their home.

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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

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
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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