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Red Brick Facades and Flexible Living Modules Shaping Contemporary Communal Spaces

Author:
Nienke Borgman
Red Brick Facades and Flexible Living Modules Shaping Contemporary Communal Spaces

Project in-detail

Combining red brick facades with modular living units, the design fosters flexible privacy while nurturing community interaction within a residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Red brick facades integrate with green terraces for enhanced environmental quality.
02
Modular living units allow residents to reconfigure personal spaces as needs change.
03
Natural light is maximized through large glass areas, promoting energy efficiency.
04
The layout encourages communal engagement while maintaining distinct privacy zones.
05
Flexible partition systems adapt to varying social dynamics among residents.
The "Open Up! Private Living, Communal Life" project focuses on contemporary architectural design that integrates individual living spaces with communal areas. It aims to create a balanced environment for diverse residents, enhancing both privacy and social interaction. Drawing inspiration from historic Italian villages, this design synthesizes practical living with community engagement, ultimately redefining the approach to urban housing.

Concept and Design Framework

The project incorporates a multifacetedlayout to address various preferences for privacy and community life. By defining six different levels of privacy, the design accommodates a range of residents—from singles to families and seniors. This modular housing approach allows for adaptability, enabling residents to tailor their living conditions to their evolving needs. The use of public forums at the heart of the development facilitates communal activities and social gatherings, reinforcing the project's commitment to fostering community while respecting personal space.

Innovative Materiality and Structural Features

The architectural choices are significant in shaping the project’s character. The primary material used is red brick, which delivers both aesthetic warmth and structural durability. Large expanses of glass optimize natural light throughout the internal spaces, creating an airy ambiance conducive to comfort. The integration of a steel framework provides the necessary structural integrity while allowing for open floor plans.

Unique elements include modular housing units that can be customized through sliding partitions. This flexibility allows residents to adjust their living arrangements based on their current preferences for privacy or social interaction. The design also incorporates interconnected pathways that link private pods to communal areas, enhancing the flow between individual and collective spaces. Additionally, the implementation of green roofs and community gardens supports sustainability and improves the ecological quality of the environment.

Sustainability and Community Integration

Sustainability is a key component of the "Open Up!" project. Passive design strategies, such as solar access and natural ventilation, contribute to energy efficiency. The integration of green spaces not only enhances the visual appeal but also promotes biodiversity within the urban context. The attention to modular construction methods minimizes waste and allows for the adaptability of individual units over time.

The project's architectural approach fosters a sense of belonging and engagement among residents. By providing various communal spaces—such as forums for markets and events—the design encourages social bonds and interaction while ensuring that personal privacy remains prioritized. This thoughtful balance between private and shared living reflects a modern paradigm in urban architectural design that values both individuality and community connectivity.

Explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain deeper insights into this project and its innovative approaches to communal living.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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