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Plant-Integrated Concrete Frames Enhancing Urban Living Through Prefabrication

Author:
Paweł Grzegorz Wachnicki
Plant-Integrated Concrete Frames Enhancing Urban Living Through Prefabrication

Project in-detail

Utilizing prefabricated concrete frames with integrated planters, this residential development redefines urban housing by fostering community interaction and environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes prefabricated concrete frames that allow for rapid assembly and reduced construction waste.
02
Incorporates integrated planters throughout the design to enhance urban biodiversity.
03
Features a unique staggered facade that creates dynamic visual layering and shadow play.
04
Employs extensive glass paneling to optimize natural light and blur indoor-outdoor boundaries.
05
Incorporates adaptable layouts that can easily be modified for diverse living needs.

## Overview

The project presents a modern residential solution utilizing a modular system of prefabricated concrete 3D frames, situated within an urban context. Its intention is to address housing shortages while enhancing the surrounding urban landscape through a balanced integration of functionality and visual complexity. By employing prefabricated elements, the design aims for efficiency in construction and adaptability in future urban planning.

## Modular Construction System

This design revolves around a modular construction approach, which allows for scalability without compromising the structural integrity of buildings. The project is executed in distinct phases, beginning with site preparation and moving through the demolition of pre-existing structures to facilitate new developments. The phased approach ensures seamless connectivity between new and existing frameworks, with the systematic assembly of prefabricated components prioritizing speed and adaptability.

## Materiality and Environmental Integration

The core material of the structure is prefabricated concrete, chosen for its rapid assembly capabilities and cost-effectiveness, making it well-suited for large-scale projects. Complementary elements such as color-anodized aluminum railings and extensive glass panels contribute to both safety and aesthetic appeal, while facilitating natural light influx and indoor-outdoor connectivity. Integrative planters introduce greenery, enhancing biodiversity and providing ecological benefits, alongside landscaped areas that support community activity and engagement.

The use of varied colors at different levels of the structure visually differentiates spaces and delineates transitions between floors. The architectural response to geographical conditions also incorporates features for heat mitigation and natural ventilation, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability throughout the design.

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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

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