Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Polished Concrete Units Embracing Natural Light in Compact Urban Living

Author:
Birkan Aras
Polished Concrete Units Embracing Natural Light in Compact Urban Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with polished concrete and designed to maximize natural light, these compact housing units offer flexible urban living solutions that address the demand for affordable city dwellings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units designed for relocation to meet changing urban needs.
02
Constructed using polished concrete for durability and modern aesthetics.
03
Sandwich panels incorporated for enhanced insulation and quick assembly.
04
Large windows maximize natural light and enhance connectivity to the exterior.
05
Designed to address affordability while maintaining functional living standards.

The project addresses significant challenges related to urban housing in London. It aims to create flexible living solutions that adapt to the changing needs of city residents. At its core is the idea of modular housing units designed for easy relocation, offering essential adaptability. This concept is a direct response to the growing need for affordable and efficient living spaces in a densely populated environment.

Design Approach

The design focuses on volumetric units that support mobility within urban areas. These housing solutions can be constructed and moved as needed, allowing for personalized living arrangements that fit within the city's demands. By prioritizing flexibility, the units align well with the realities of urban life, where access to public services and transportation informs housing decisions.

Pricing Structure

A key element of the proposal is its detailed cost analysis that guides the pricing for rentals and sales. The pricing model is based on a zone and floor-dependent factor calculated against square footage. This systematic approach helps maintain transparency and affordability. Adjustments for inflation are planned annually, ensuring the pricing remains relevant over time, which solidifies the financial foundation for future housing developments.

Material Choices

Specific materials are chosen to enhance the units' performance and aesthetics. Polished concrete is selected for its strength and modern look, while brushed metal is integrated for versatility across various designs. Additionally, sandwich panels are used to improve insulation and speed up the building process. These choices aim to reduce waste and maximize space efficiency, directly supporting the project's objectives.

Efficient Living Spaces

The emphasis on compact living reflects the necessity for practical design in urban settings. Each unit is created to provide essential functions within a smaller footprint. This approach helps to alleviate housing shortages while promoting a lifestyle that remains practical for residents.

Large windows are a significant feature, inviting natural light into the homes. This element connects the indoor spaces with the bustling life outside, enriching the living experience.

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