Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Spiral Overpass Enabling Community Living with Modular Units

Authors:
Jiajing Gao, Xingjie Xie
Spiral Overpass Enabling Community Living with Modular Units

Project in-detail

A spiral overpass interlinks driverless trams and modular living units, promoting community interaction while enhancing urban mobility in Chongqing.
5 key facts about this project
01
A spiral overpass design optimizes land use while enhancing vertical connectivity.
02
Modular living units provide flexible residential options tailored for urban density.
03
The station features an integrated air purification system improving local air quality.
04
A cableway system enhances transportation efficiency by connecting living spaces.
05
Community gardens on balconies promote sustainable urban agriculture.

The Overpass Rail Station in Chongqing is a thoughtful solution to the needs of a busy urban landscape. Located in a densely populated area, it combines various transportation functions in one cohesive structure. The design features a spiral shape that effectively utilizes vertical space, reducing the land footprint while promoting accessibility and convenience. This station serves as an important hub, bringing together different methods of transport for the city's inhabitants.

Transportation Integration

Combining multiple types of transport is a key feature of this design. The overpass provides a route for driverless ultrahigh-speed trams, allowing for quick movement across the city. Alongside the light rail system, the project encourages walking by integrating pedestrian paths. The cableway adds an extra layer of innovation, providing not only transportation but also a unique way to connect residential areas. This arrangement fosters increased interaction among users and helps alleviate traffic pressure on ground-level streets.

Modular Living Solutions

The project introduces modular living boxes that prioritize flexibility for residents. Available in various configurations, including single, double, triple, and quadruple rooms, these units accommodate a range of living situations. The design allows for efficient use of space, intending to create a sense of community among inhabitants. This approach makes it easier for people to connect and share experiences in a high-density environment.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability plays an essential role throughout the design. An air purification system is integrated into the central tube, which helps filter pollutants for a healthier atmosphere. Green infrastructure, including plants and trees, contributes to improving air quality while providing shade and beauty. This focus on environmental well-being addresses contemporary urban issues and enhances the living conditions for residents.

Public and Community Spaces

The design includes well-planned public areas and buffer zones to balance privacy with social engagement. The aerial farm market enables residents to grow edible plants on their balconies and walls, reinforcing a connection to nature. This aspect not only promotes sustainable practices but also encourages a sense of belonging among community members.

A notable feature of the station is the vertical elevator in the core tube, providing access to different levels of the structure while offering views of the surrounding area. This addition transforms the experience of moving through the station, making each trip engaging and visually appealing.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy