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Repurposed Parking Spaces Featuring Steel Frames and Acoustic Panels for Compact Urban Living

Repurposed Parking Spaces Featuring Steel Frames and Acoustic Panels for Compact Urban Living
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Transforming underutilized parking spaces into micro homes, this initiative employs a robust modular steel framework and Troldtekt acoustic panels to create efficient and sustainable living environments in an urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes repurposed parking spaces for residential units.
02
Constructed with a modular steel framework for efficient assembly.
03
Incorporates Troldtekt acoustic panels for enhanced sound insulation.
04
Features compact design with multifunctional living spaces.
05
Integrates landscaped areas to promote environmental quality.

### Overview and Concept
The **Houses in the Park(ing)!** project is located in New York City, aimed at addressing the city's significant housing shortage by introducing Micro Homes into underutilized parking spaces. In light of an estimated need for approximately **800,000 new housing units** over the next decade, this initiative seeks to optimize existing urban infrastructure, making effective use of parking areas to create sustainable living environments. The design was inspired by adaptations observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when outdoor dining was permitted in parking spaces, highlighting the potential for repurposing these areas for residential use.

### Spatial Strategy
Each Micro Home occupies **24.2 square meters**, incorporating essential living functions, including sleeping, cooking, and working, within a compact footprint. The architectural form features **arch-shaped roofs** that enhance the aesthetic appeal while facilitating natural light entry. The rhythmic arrangement of the homes promotes community interaction, integrating harmoniously with the existing urban fabric characterized by residential white facades and tree-lined streets.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The design emphasizes sustainability through the selection of eco-friendly materials. **TROLDTEKT acoustic panels** improve acoustic quality while aligning with environmental goals. Structural elements utilize a **modular steel frame**, which not only enhances durability but also supports efficient manufacturing processes. **QuadCore panels** are incorporated for improved thermal insulation, optimizing energy consumption. The foundations and walkways are constructed from concrete, ensuring resilience and longevity in the urban context. Additionally, landscaped green areas surrounding the homes contribute to environmental quality and enhance the overall wellbeing of residents.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

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

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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