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Red Brick Facades and Solar Tiles Enhancing Community Living in Alexandria

Author:
Vladimir Nikitin
Red Brick Facades and Solar Tiles Enhancing Community Living in Alexandria

Project in-detail

Combining red brick facades and sustainable solar tiles, the design creates a vibrant community hub in Alexandria that seamlessly integrates modern living with environmental sensitivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes red bricks and pressed bricks for an aesthetically diverse façade while ensuring durability.
02
Features integrated solar tiles to enhance energy efficiency and reduce reliance on external power sources.
03
Incorporates communal outdoor spaces designed to foster social interaction among residents.
04
Employs hardwood cladding to create a warm and inviting atmosphere throughout the building.
05
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems to promote sustainability and efficient water usage.
The architectural project known as the Innovative House is situated in Alexandria, New South Wales, Sydney, highlighting a modern take on affordable housing. This development is a response to the contemporary urban challenges of increasing population density and housing affordability, showcasing a design that promotes livability while integrating sustainability. The project does not merely serve as a shelter but aims to foster a sense of community and interaction among its residents through thoughtfully designed spaces.

The Innovative House incorporates modular housing units that exhibit flexibility, allowing for a variety of layouts catering to diverse family needs. This approach to design acknowledges the multifaceted nature of urban living, recognizing that different individuals and families require distinct living arrangements. The project includes a mix of apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, which creates opportunities for a varied demographic to coexist within the same community. Each unit is designed to maximize space efficiency, ensuring that residents have access to functional and comfortable living environments.

Key features of the project further solidify its role as a viable housing solution. The integration of communal outdoor spaces, such as a central courtyard, promotes social interaction among residents, thereby enhancing community ties. This design choice signifies a shift in architectural thinking, where the focus is not solely on individual living spaces but also on shared experiences. The ground floor incorporates commercial elements like cafés or retail spaces, contributing to the vibrancy of the neighborhood and providing essential services within walking distance.

In terms of materiality, the Innovative House utilizes a thoughtfully curated selection of materials such as smooth red bricks and Livingston gold pressed bricks, which give the façade a cohesive and inviting appearance. The incorporation of hardwood cladding adds warmth to the design, while innovative technologies like Tesla solar roof tiles introduce sustainable energy solutions. These materials are selected not only for their aesthetic qualities but for their sustainability credentials, as the design aims to minimize energy consumption and reduce the building's environmental footprint.

The project embodies modern architectural ideas through its commitment to sustainability and community cohesion. Its green initiatives include features like rainwater harvesting systems and living green walls, both of which contribute to urban biodiversity and promote ecological awareness among residents. Furthermore, the modular concept enables adaptability in housing arrangements, allowing the building to respond effectively to changing socioeconomic conditions in the area.

What sets the Innovative House apart is its thoughtful engagement with the urban context of Alexandria. The project's location near the Alexandra Canal positions it strategically within a growing precinct of Sydney, providing both attractive views and connectivity to surrounding amenities. The design embraces the principles of urban renewal, transforming what could easily be neglected space into a thriving community hub.

This project is a testament to how architectural design can effectively address modern urban challenges. By promoting sustainable living, providing various housing options, and fostering community engagement, the Innovative House stands as a comprehensive architectural solution that reflects the changing dynamics of city life. Readers interested in understanding more about this project are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and design details to gain deeper insights into the innovative approaches employed.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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