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Precast Concrete Arches Enhancing Community Cohesion in Parisian Housing

Author:
Youngil Kim
Precast Concrete Arches Enhancing Community Cohesion in Parisian Housing

Project in-detail

Varied precast concrete arches form interconnected courtyards that promote community interaction in a sustainable housing complex, designed to address the needs of a diverse urban population in Paris.
5 key facts about this project
01
Varied arch geometry offers visual softness and invites community interaction.
02
Courtyards are designed to encourage natural ventilation and promote sustainable living.
03
A modular approach allows for flexible floor plans catering to diverse family sizes.
04
The integration of open spaces guides residents toward communal areas seamlessly.
05
The façade's use of precast concrete enhances durability while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

The Parisian social housing project addresses the pressing need for affordable living spaces in an urban environment that faces constant change. Located in an area with a rich cultural background shaped by continuous waves of immigration, it focuses on overcoming the social challenges posed by rising living costs. The design embraces community involvement and spatial accessibility, with the aim of fostering a sense of belonging among its diverse residents through well-planned communal areas.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Public spaces play a central role in this design, particularly the courtyards that function as community gathering spots. These courtyards are carefully planned to encourage social interaction, serving as settings for both informal meetings and organized events. The layout facilitates movement, allowing residents to travel from the street level to their homes in a way that promotes a shared community experience and strengthens ties among neighbors.

SPATIAL FLEXIBILITY

The project adopts a modular approach to its floor plans, which allows for flexibility to accommodate different family sizes. This adaptability is essential for meeting the varied needs of the urban population. The structure features open, straightforward systems that create smooth connections and guide residents toward shared spaces, reinforcing a sense of community.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Sustainability is an important focus in the design. The courtyards are constructed to encourage natural ventilation, improving air quality and thermal comfort for the residents. By prioritizing these environmental factors, the design aims to create living conditions that are beneficial to both individuals and the urban environment.

DESIGN DETAIL

The outer façade showcases varied arch geometry, which sends a clear message of openness. The use of precast concrete ensures strength and durability while contributing to the aesthetic of the building. These design elements work together to create an inviting atmosphere that supports community engagement, all while being mindful of the historical context of Paris.

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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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