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Recycled Glass Enclosures and Shared Green Spaces in Affordable Modular Housing

Author:
Thomas Atkinson
Recycled Glass Enclosures and Shared Green Spaces in Affordable Modular Housing

Project in-detail

Recycled glass enclosures and a modular configuration create adaptable living spaces that enhance community interaction in affordable housing tailored for urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled glass encloses communal areas, providing both aesthetics and wind protection.
02
Modular configuration allows for easy expansion into three or four-room apartments.
03
Landscaped rooftop gardens are integrated into the design, promoting outdoor engagement.
04
Each tower features glass-enclosed walkways for enhanced accessibility and comfort.
05
The structure employs a combination of cube and triangular prism frames for efficient space usage.

The Circle View Towers project presents a modular housing solution located in Toronto, designed to offer affordable living options while fostering community connections. Its layout focuses on blending individual privacy with communal spaces, addressing the varying needs of urban residents.

Community Connectivity

The design of Circle View Towers centers on the idea of community connection. The structure includes a combination of cube and triangular prism frames, which help organize the living areas. This arrangement allows for personal retreats within individual units and encourages social interactions in shared spaces, enhancing the overall living experience for residents.

Modular Configuration

Each component of the project features six units that can combine into three larger apartments. This flexible setup is vital for meeting the needs of different household sizes and types. Residents can adapt their living space, expanding to three or four-room layouts as necessary. This adaptability lets residents change their environment as their lives evolve.

Material Implementation

Material choices in Circle View Towers are selected for their strength and environmental benefits. The use of durable steel forms the framework of the modular units, providing necessary support. Recycled hardwood is featured in the walls and window frames, promoting sustainable practices and adding warmth. The communal areas are enclosed with recycled glass, allowing light and views while offering protection against the elements, which contributes to the comfort of the living spaces.

Green Spaces and Walkways

The project includes landscaped green areas throughout, with rooftop gardens that invite residents to enjoy outdoor activities and moments of relaxation. Glass-enclosed walkways connect the towers, making it easy to move across the complex while enhancing accessibility. These walkways provide sheltered paths, allowing residents to experience the outdoors comfortably.

Rooftop gardens create a pleasant retreat above the living units, offering a space for residents to cultivate plants while bringing elements of nature closer to 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

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