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Repurposed Shells Featuring Cork and Communal Spaces for Affordable Housing

Authors:
Anna Ridder, Valentina Rapuano, Óli geir Kristjánsson, Tyra Blichfeldt
Repurposed Shells Featuring Cork and Communal Spaces for Affordable Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing repurposed building shells and incorporating communal spaces, this initiative provides affordable housing options while addressing urban vacancy and economic challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes vacant structures into livable spaces.
02
Integrates communal areas to foster social interaction.
03
Utilizes modular living units for flexibility and adaptability.
04
Focuses on sustainability through ecological practices.
05
Addresses urban housing shortages with affordable options.

The design focuses on addressing urban housing shortages through the legal squatting of vacant buildings. Situated in often crowded city centers, the project aims to turn unused structures, referred to as "shells," into livable environments. By offering affordable housing solutions, it responds to the needs of those who struggle to find homes in expensive metropolitan areas.

Functionality

The concept revolves around repurposing a variety of building types. These include warehouses, office spaces, industrial sites, parking garages, shopping centers, and even places of worship. Each type provides potential for transformation into residential units. Modular living spaces can be integrated into these shells, allowing for quick reconfiguration to suit the needs of different communities.

Community Engagement

A key aspect of the design is the creation of communal spaces that encourage social interaction. These shared areas are designed for activities such as reading, gardening, and studying, allowing residents to connect with one another. This focus on community helps build relationships among inhabitants, which enhances the overall living experience in these transformed environments.

Sustainability

Sustainability plays an important role in the project. While specific materials are not heavily detailed, the design promotes energy efficiency and water management practices. This approach aims to reduce the ecological impact of the living spaces. By incorporating sustainable features, the design aligns with growing trends in urban planning that prioritize environmental stewardship.

Housing Accessibility

The initiative tackles the issue of housing accessibility by providing affordable options close to city centers. This proximity allows residents to easily reach jobs and services. By revitalizing previously neglected buildings, the project breathes new life into urban areas, encouraging activity and vibrancy, especially during evening hours.

Natural light is an essential element in the design. Strategically placed windows allow sunlight to enter the deep spaces of these repurposed buildings, creating inviting homes while maintaining the original character of the shells.

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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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