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Repurposed Containers Creating Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Seis Arquitectura, Juan Suarez, James Chaves, Daniel Torres
Repurposed Containers Creating Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Repurposed shipping containers form a sustainable urban community in Leslieville, focused on affordability and adaptability for diverse residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposed shipping containers serve as the primary housing units.
02
Modular construction allows for quick assembly and disassembly.
03
Rainwater collection systems reduce long-term utility costs.
04
The design includes integrated green roofs for environmental sustainability.
05
The project promotes community interaction through shared public spaces.

The Hive is located in Leslieville, Toronto, and aims to address the challenges of housing affordability and urban density. In a city known for its high real estate prices, the design focuses on creating accessible homes that can be built quickly. The concept revolves around modularity and adaptability, making it easier to assemble and disassemble housing units as needed.

Sustainable Design Approach

The design prioritizes sustainability by incorporating features such as a rainwater collection system. This system helps to lower long-term operational costs and reflects a commitment to resource conservation. The Hive also integrates green roofs and public spaces to enhance ecological connections. These elements encourage community interaction and emphasize the importance of sustainable practices in urban living.

Material Utilization

Abandoned shipping containers serve as the primary material for construction. These containers are repurposed into living spaces and contribute to the project's unique character. This material choice highlights the potential for reusing existing resources, aligning with sustainable building practices. The result is a modern aesthetic that sets The Hive apart from typical housing developments.

Adaptability and Inclusion

The modular layout allows for flexibility, accommodating a variety of residents, from individuals to families. This variety promotes inclusivity and social interaction among neighbors. The design also reduces travel distances, making it easier for residents to access jobs and services. This simple approach fosters a sense of community and connection in urban living.

The facade features interlinked units, inviting green spaces, and communal areas that engage with the surroundings. This design element reinforces the focus on community-oriented living.

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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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