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Sculptural Living Spaces Within Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Hall

Authors:
Daniela Burki, Margherita Chiozzi, Yindela Iannazzone
Sculptural Living Spaces Within Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Hall

Project in-detail

Curved volumes resembling sculptures and a labyrinthine layout transform an industrial hall into a microhome community that prioritizes both privacy and social interaction among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved building forms create an engaging roofscape that enhances the overall aesthetic.
02
The layout features narrow passageways reminiscent of historical urban environments.
03
Communal areas promote social interaction while maintaining privacy for individual households.
04
Adaptive reuse principles allow for the transformation of an existing industrial structure.
05
The design balances sculptural qualities with functional living spaces.

SKULPTURENHALLE is located in Zurich and aims to address the current issues of housing shortages in urban areas. The design shifts the focus towards a microhome typology that converts a former industrial hall into a lively community space. This concept emphasizes the reuse of existing architecture and creates an environment that accommodates a mobile lifestyle while providing residents with the privacy they need.

Design Concept

The project centers on the idea of adaptive reuse, where small, temporary buildings are situated within the shell of a larger industrial structure. By incorporating these units, the design promotes a collaborative living atmosphere. It encourages social interaction among residents while ensuring that personal spaces are well-defined. Through this strategy, the aim is to redefine how people experience urban living, ultimately fostering community bonds.

Spatial Organization

The arrangement of the small houses generates a network of narrow passageways that invite exploration. These corridors echo traditional urban layouts, encouraging movement and interaction among residents. Open communal areas are placed between the buildings, serving as social hubs where neighbors can gather. This layout not only enhances a sense of community but also transforms the industrial hall into a shared living room, contributing to a more connected lifestyle.

Architectural Expression

The visual language of SKULPTURENHALLE features varied geometric forms that stand in contrast to the surrounding industrial context. These abstract volumes create a dynamic silhouette, resembling large sculptures that add character to the space. Their different heights and roof shapes help to define distinct zones within the hall. This thoughtful arrangement balances privacy with opportunities for residents to engage with each other.

Design Detail

One notable aspect of the design is the roofscape, which acts as a bridge between different areas of the project. This elevated terrain reinforces the connectivity and accessibility of the communal space, making it inviting for both residents and visitors. It provides an opportunity for outdoor activities and gatherings, enhancing the overall experience of living within a vibrant urban environment.

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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

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