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Sliding Façade System and Prefabricated Concrete Create Flexible Urban Housing

Author:
Bahman Mirhashemi
Sliding Façade System and Prefabricated Concrete Create Flexible Urban Housing

Project in-detail

The use of a sliding façade system and prefabricated concrete throughout the building enables adaptable living spaces that foster community interaction in an urban residential setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular nine-square diagram allows for diverse interior configurations.
02
Vertical access box enhances connectivity and movement throughout the structure.
03
Communal spaces promote social interaction among residents.
04
Prefabricated concrete elements ensure quick construction and durability.
05
Sliding façade system provides adjustable light and privacy control.

The MatchStick Residential Towers are designed to provide affordable living in an urban setting. They focus on flexibility and community, with a modular approach that adapts to specific site conditions. The overall design promotes individual expression while fostering connections among residents, creating a harmonious living environment.

Modular Design Approach

The design is built around a modular nine-square diagram, which organizes the spatial layout of the towers. Each unit can be divided into nine smaller sections, offering a variety of interior layouts. This flexibility allows residents to customize their living spaces according to personal needs and preferences, fostering a sense of ownership and individuality.

Vertical Access and Connectivity

A vertical access box plays a key role in the design, facilitating easy movement between different floors. This element ensures that all residents have access to their homes, while also connecting the structure to the surrounding area. The thoughtful positioning of this access points encourages interaction among residents, enhancing the communal aspect of the living experience.

Collective Spaces and Community Interaction

The design includes communal areas intended for social engagement among residents. These shared spaces encourage relationships and interaction, allowing for a vibrant community atmosphere. Positioned throughout the building, these areas help create connections among neighbors and contribute to a more lively urban environment.

Materiality and Sustainability

Concrete is the primary material used in the construction. It forms the prefabricated slabs that support the towers and contribute to their structural integrity. The choice of concrete emphasizes durability and energy efficiency, ensuring the buildings are sustainable over time. This choice not only provides strength but also supports the project's overall vision for modern urban living.

The sliding façade system is another notable feature, allowing residents to control light and privacy. This design gives individuals the ability to adjust their living environment according to their needs, while also maintaining a unified appearance across the towers. This flexibility strikes a balance between personal choice and the overall architectural expression.

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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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