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Reimagining Urban Living Above Railway Tracks with Flexible Community Spaces

Author:
Alissia naida Hoffmann
Reimagining Urban Living Above Railway Tracks with Flexible Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing airspace above railway lines, the design creates flexible community spaces that reimagine urban living while addressing London's housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Airspace above railway lines is repurposed for residential use.
02
The design emphasizes a subscription-based housing model.
03
Individual units are interconnected to promote community living.
04
Focus on sustainable urban density without land expansion.
05
Integrates private and public spaces for enhanced interaction.

The URBE project offers a fresh approach to London’s housing challenges by integrating living spaces with the city’s railway system. Located in an area that experiences constant urban growth, it aims to redefine home ownership and facilitate a sense of community among residents. The overall design concept prioritizes connectivity, social interaction, and efficient use of space, addressing the ongoing housing crisis by reimagining how urban living can function.

Concept and Model
Traditional views of home ownership are changing, especially among younger people who value flexibility and community more than property. By proposing a housing model based on a subscription service, URBE provides an alternative to the conventional buying and renting systems. This structure allows local institutions to take responsibility for housing, which helps create a sense of community among residents and fosters social connections.

Rail Overbuild Strategy
The innovative use of airspace above railway lines forms the cornerstone of the URBE strategy. This Rail Overbuild concept aims to change how underused areas are perceived and transformed into vibrant living spaces. By developing above existing infrastructure, the project not only addresses the significant shortage of housing in London but also reconnects urban areas that were once divided by transportation networks. The result is enhanced mobility, encouraging both residents and visitors to navigate the city more easily.

Community Integration
Emphasizing the blending of private and public areas, the design incorporates spaces that encourage residents to meet and interact. Individual residential units are carefully planned within larger buildings, fostering a sense of belonging. This focus on communal living makes the idea of "URBEnity" come alive, as shared spaces play a crucial role in promoting relationships among neighbors. The layout motivates engagement and creates avenues for socializing.

Sustainability and Urban Density
URBE's strategy of utilizing airspace above railways allows for greater urban density without occupying additional land. This method is particularly significant in a city like London, where space is limited and highly valued. The thoughtful design aims not only to address housing needs but also to enhance the experience of urban living by ensuring that residential and communal spaces exist in harmony.

The residential buildings include communal areas designed to promote interaction. By doing so, the project underscores the importance of creating environments that encourage community living and offer opportunities for collaboration among residents.

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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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