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Repurposed Containers Integrating Green Spaces in Urban Living

Authors:
Francesco Niten Mattioli, Alex Scorrano
Repurposed Containers Integrating Green Spaces in Urban Living
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Repurposed shipping containers form a network of elevated pathways and green spaces that enhance urban living while promoting community engagement and environmental sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposed shipping containers form the main structure, enhancing sustainability.
02
Elevated cycle-pedestrian pathways promote safe and efficient movement through the site.
03
Green spaces are integrated throughout, fostering community interaction and ecological health.
04
Flexible design accommodates future modifications for evolving residential needs.
05
The project prioritizes accessibility, ensuring all spaces are user-friendly for pedestrians and cyclists.

NІSH is an architectural design that seeks to enhance urban living by incorporating nature within a bustling neighborhood. The project aims to create a space where community life flourishes, fostering connections among residents while encouraging a commitment to environmental health. Inspired by the balanced habitat of the Australian coral reef, NІSH translates these ecological principles into an urban setting, prioritizing green spaces alongside the built environment.

Design Concept and Green Spaces

The design focuses on restoring and integrating green areas throughout the community. By doing so, it creates opportunities for residents to engage with nature and each other. The presence of greenery contributes to the local ecosystem, making the area more inviting and beneficial for both social interaction and biodiversity. This thoughtful approach underscores the importance of considering environmental elements in urban planning.

Innovative Pathways

One notable aspect of NІSH is the introduction of elevated pathways for cyclists and pedestrians. These pathways allow for smooth movement across the area, minimizing the impact of cars and reducing congestion. By elevating foot and bike traffic, the design encourages a healthier lifestyle and enhances the safety of public spaces. This focus on accessible movement reflects a commitment to fostering a more sustainable and user-friendly urban environment.

Flexibility in Use

Flexibility plays a vital role in the design of NІSH. The layout has been carefully planned to accommodate future changes and expansions. This adaptability means that residential and commercial modules can develop according to community needs over time. By designing for change, the project ensures it can remain relevant and functional as the neighborhood evolves.

Repurposed Housing Modules

The design includes housing units made from containers that are sourced from the nearby commercial port. Using these materials demonstrates a focus on cost-effectiveness and sustainability. By repurposing containers, the project reduces waste while providing sturdy living spaces that meet modern demands. This approach aligns well with broader goals of minimizing ecological impact in construction.

Within NІSH, a network of landscaped areas and interconnected pathways brings the spirit of nature directly into urban life. This integration creates an inviting atmosphere that encourages people to enjoy outdoor spaces, fostering community ties in a balanced environment.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025
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Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

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