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Reflective Steel Facade Integrated With Sustainable Greenery for Urban Housing Solutions

Authors:
Gregory Yeo, Louise Leung
Reflective Steel Facade Integrated With Sustainable Greenery for Urban Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

A reflective steel facade, enhanced by integrated green spaces, redefines urban living by seamlessly blending residential needs with essential transportation infrastructure in Sydney.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective steel facade enhances urban integration and adapts to changing light conditions.
02
Modular living units provide flexible configurations for diverse family needs.
03
Integrated green spaces promote environmental sustainability and community interaction.
04
Perforated metal screens offer privacy while allowing natural ventilation.
05
Construction incorporates innovative materials for improved durability and aesthetics.

## Project Overview

"Bridging Boundaries" is an architectural design initiative located in Sydney, Australia, focused on providing affordable housing solutions within the city's public infrastructure framework. The project responds to the challenges posed by rapid urban growth and escalating housing prices, aiming to create a cohesive integration of residential units and transportation corridors that enhance accessibility throughout Northern and Southern Sydney.

## Spatial Dynamics and Integration

The project prioritizes strategic land use amid increasing real estate values near the Central Business District (CBD). By situating residential units alongside essential public transport infrastructure, it alleviates congestion and fosters improved connectivity within urban environments. This dual-purpose approach reduces travel times while promoting housing accessibility to diverse socioeconomic groups, thereby addressing critical urban challenges.

### Core Architectural Features

The structural design is distinguished by a bridge-like form, which symbolically connects disparate urban zones. The primary framework utilizes structural steel, ensuring strength while maintaining a lightweight profile. The exterior features a distinctive golden facade, which reflects light and contributes to the building's visual presence in the skyline. Internally, the layout supports functionality through open-plan living spaces that facilitate social interaction and are enhanced by ample natural light from large windows. Community-oriented design elements include shared green spaces and strategically located utility cores, promoting engagement among residents and incorporating ecological benefits into the fabric of urban living.

### Material Selection

Materials have been chosen for their performance, aesthetic qualities, and sustainability attributes. Structural steel provides the necessary resilience, while extensive use of glass fosters visual connectivity to the outdoors. Composite decking in communal areas enhances durability without compromising on style, and perforated metal screens facilitate sun shading and privacy, enriching the facade's texture. This thoughtful selection of materials contributes to the project's overarching goals of durability, livability, and environmental responsibility.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
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Kinderspace
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