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Reimagining Living Spaces with Recycled Shipping Containers in Urban Community Development

Authors:
Sunkara Tanuja , Molakalapalli Hemanth , Kunapareddy Venkata Naga Sai Lakshmi Sri , Poorbi Pracheeta Sahu
Reimagining Living Spaces with Recycled Shipping Containers in Urban Community Development

Project in-detail

Utilizing repurposed shipping containers to create efficient and modular living units, the design fosters community interaction and sustainable practices for urban workers in Kolkata.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes repurposed shipping containers to minimize material waste and promote sustainability.
02
Features modular design that allows flexible configurations tailored to resident needs.
03
Incorporates community spaces to enhance social interaction among residents.
04
Integrates advanced insulation techniques for improved energy efficiency.
05
Positioned strategically near essential transportation links for easy accessibility.

**Project Overview**
Located in the Garden Reach Flyover area of Kolkata, India, the Container Dwellings project responds to the housing needs of essential workers within a historically significant urban context. The design prioritizes community interaction through its layout and spatial arrangements, aiming to create a supportive environment that enhances social connectivity among residents.

**Material Utilization and Sustainability**
The construction utilizes shipping containers as the primary structural component, chosen for their economic and environmental viability. These standardized units measure 2.4 meters in width, with lengths of 6 meters and 3 meters, and a height of 2.89 meters. The design incorporates spray foam insulation for thermal efficiency, a steel framework for structural integrity, and glass and metal panels to maximize natural light and visual engagement with the surrounding area. The emphasis on utilizing recycled materials minimizes environmental impact, aligning with sustainable architectural practices.

**Spatial Strategy**
The spatial configuration features a mix of individual living units and communal spaces tailored to foster interaction. The ground level includes small single dwelling units of 5 square meters, designed for individual occupants, alongside a community dining area that promotes social gatherings. The first level accommodates nuclear family units of 27.5 square meters, providing additional amenities for comfort, as well as dedicated community spaces. The second level includes dual and shared units, reinforcing the concept of communal living with shared facilities to enhance resource efficiency and strengthen social ties. The design reflects a responsive approach to the needs of the community while allowing for future adaptability and expansion.

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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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