Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Relocatable Steel Housing for Flood-Prone Urban Areas

Authors:
Laura carina Kurz, Jörn Kehrer
Relocatable Steel Housing for Flood-Prone Urban Areas

Project in-detail

The use of a relocatable steel framework allows for efficient housing solutions in flood-prone areas, providing adaptable living spaces designed to meet the needs of urban communities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Adaptable modules can be easily relocated to safer areas during flooding events.
02
The design incorporates a lightweight steel framework for rapid assembly.
03
Four distinct module types address varying housing needs within the community.
04
Multifunctional furniture optimizes limited living space for residents.
05
Stackable units allow for vertical expansion without disrupting existing infrastructure.

Vivadotto addresses the crucial issue of affordable living in Rome, a city rich in history and known for its distinctive urban fabric. The project explores the idea of flexible, modular housing that effectively uses existing space while considering environmental factors, such as the risk of flooding along the Tiber River. The design concept emphasizes adaptability and community, bridging the gap between modern living and the city’s architectural character.

Modular Design

The structure features a lightweight steel frame that allows for quick assembly and easy transportation of prefabricated walls, floors, and roofs. This approach not only streamlines the building process but also enables the structure to be relocated as needed. For instance, during the wet months from October to April, Vivadotto can be moved from vulnerable locations along the Tiber to safer sites, such as the Circus Maximus, demonstrating a practical response to urban challenges.

Spatial Efficiency

The design is crafted to optimize space usage in the urban environment. It can fit over both wide and narrow streets without obstructing traffic or parking. The stackable nature of the modules allows for upward growth, enabling a denser configuration as demands shift in the city. There are four types of modules that can be combined to create different living spaces—ranging from single units to larger apartments suitable for families or shared communal areas. This versatility meets various housing needs and promotes interaction among residents.

Versatile Interiors

Attention to interior design is paramount, with a focus on maximizing space through multifunctional furniture. Beds can convert into sofas, and tables can act as window blinds, providing privacy when needed or allowing for social gathering. This design choice enhances the livability of the modules, allowing spaces to adapt to the changing needs of their occupants.

The thoughtful arrangement of mobile and adaptable living solutions in Vivadotto permits it to respond effectively to the urban dynamics and the practical requirements of modern life. The project exemplifies a commitment to innovative design that prioritizes community engagement and flexibility.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy