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Retrofitted Red Brick Car Parks for Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Ieuan Hook, Paul Ventrice
Retrofitted Red Brick Car Parks for Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

The conversion of under-utilised multi-storey car parks, highlighted by retained red brickwork and on-structure landscaping, transforms urban living spaces into affordable housing solutions that foster community in Melbourne.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes existing car park structures for residential use.
02
Retains original red brickwork to preserve historical character.
03
Integrates communal facilities to enhance community interaction.
04
Incorporates on-structure landscaping for ecological benefits.
05
Offers various dwelling sizes to accommodate diverse residents.

The project focuses on retrofitting multi-storey car parks in Melbourne, specifically at 28 Gladstone Street, Moonee Ponds. The aim is to convert these under-utilised spaces into multi-density housing. Melbourne faces a growing housing crisis, needing an estimated 1.6 million affordable homes in the next few decades. The design seeks to address this issue while responding to changes in transportation trends that prioritize public transport, cycling, and walking over car usage.

Adaptation of Existing Infrastructure
The core concept is to repurpose the structure of the existing car park. This allows for a mixed-use development that can accommodate different types of residents. The design includes various dwelling sizes suitable for different lifestyles, from single individuals to families. This variety fosters community connections and social interactions among residents.

Multi-Density Housing Typology
Efficient land use is key to the design. It incorporates multiple residential types—low, medium, and high-density units. By layering these units, the design maximizes the number of homes available while creating communal spaces that encourage engagement. These shared areas promote a sense of community and enhance the overall living experience for residents.

Material Heritage and Aesthetic
The project pays special attention to preserving the original red brickwork of the car park. This aspect helps maintain the building's architectural character and aligns the new design with the historical context of the area. By blending old features with new elements, the design reinforces a connection to Melbourne's architectural heritage while providing modern living spaces.

Sustainable Urban Development
Introducing affordable housing in the city center aims to reduce dependence on suburban living. Adapting existing structures, like car parks, demonstrates a practical approach to addressing housing shortages. The design aligns with sustainability goals by reusing materials and spaces, contributing to a more efficient urban environment.

The addition of landscaping enhances the project further. Green spaces within the development create inviting areas for recreation and relaxation. This focus on natural elements helps to build a sense of community and encourages residents to engage with their surroundings.

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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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