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Rooftop Vegetable Gardens and Community Spaces with Steel Framework

Author:
Arthur Micheron
Rooftop Vegetable Gardens and Community Spaces with Steel Framework

Project in-detail

Equipped with prefabricated units integrated on rooftops, the design incorporates steel frameworks and community vegetable gardens, creating adaptable living environments that enhance urban density.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooftop units maximize available urban space in dense Paris neighborhoods.
02
Community-focused amenities foster interaction among diverse residents.
03
Modular design allows for customization based on individual needs.
04
Green roofs incorporate vegetable gardens to promote biodiversity.
05
Steel frameworks ensure structural durability while remaining lightweight.

Dencity is an initiative addressing the urgent housing needs of urban residents in Paris. It focuses on creating adaptable living solutions by placing prefabricated housing units on existing rooftops. The design merges density with communal living, targeting young families, students, and migrants, all while promoting a modern urban lifestyle that encourages community engagement.

Design Concept

The emphasis is on creating modular units that residents can tailor to their specific needs. This flexibility addresses the varied requirements of city dwellers. By using prefabricated elements, the construction process is efficient, allowing for quick integration into existing structures. This approach maximizes limited space while maintaining a functional living environment.

Community Integration

The design prioritizes shared spaces and amenities to foster interactions among residents. Features like coworking spaces, coffee shops, and vegetable gardens are included to promote collaboration and community spirit. These elements not only enhance the living experience but also build connections among neighbors, helping to create a sense of belonging.

Site Selection and Urban Dynamics

Specific locations such as Rue Bouvier, Avenue René Coty, Rue des Partants, Rue Maillard, and Rue des Meaux have been chosen for their potential to support increased housing density. The design promotes both vertical and horizontal expansion, improving connectivity within neighborhoods. This careful site selection aims to offer necessary amenities while integrating new units into the existing urban landscape.

Material Specifications

Materials have been deliberately selected to achieve functional and sustainable outcomes. The foundation is made of concrete for stability. Steel forms the main frame, providing durability. Wood is used in the secondary structure, adding warmth to the spaces. Thermal insulation comes from fiberglass while acoustic insulation is provided by Prodex, enhancing comfort and reducing noise.

The design includes rooftop green spaces that connect with the surrounding environment, promoting biodiversity and a healthier urban lifestyle.

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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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