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Spiral Staircases and Brick Facades in Compact Urban Living

Author:
Octavio Altamirano
Spiral Staircases and Brick Facades in Compact Urban Living

Project in-detail

With its distinct spiral staircases and brick facades, this compact urban living solution reimagines community interaction while providing functional, duplex residences for modern city dwellers.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates two spiral staircases that enhance vertical connectivity between the duplex units.
02
Each residential unit features a brick façade that offers durability and a connection to traditional building aesthetics.
03
Natural light is maximized through extensive glass facades, creating bright and open living spaces.
04
The layout promotes community interaction with shared landscaped areas designed to facilitate social engagement.
05
Adaptable interiors allow for multifunctional use, catering to the diverse needs of modern urban residents.
The project, known as Caduceus, presents an innovative approach to urban housing that addresses contemporary challenges associated with population density and urbanization. This architectural design encapsulates a vision of modern living while integrating elements of community engagement and flexibility. Caduceus represents a thoughtful response to the evolving landscape of residential architecture, promoting both privacy and social interaction among its residents.

At its core, the function of Caduceus lies in creating compact, vertical duplex units that maximize land use without compromising the quality of life for residents. The design accommodates twelve houses within a single acre, with individual plots of 84 square meters each. This efficient spatial organization supports the need for sustainable living solutions in urban environments while allowing for a blended experience of individual and shared spaces.

The architectural concept draws inspiration from the symbolism of the Caduceus, reflecting the intertwined relationships between personal living spaces and communal areas. The design encourages residents to forge connections with one another, fostering a sense of community in what could easily become isolated urban settings. This duality is further emphasized through the architectural layout, which is centered around multiple functional areas that cater to diverse activities such as living, working, and leisure.

The design employs a carefully considered material palette consisting of brick, concrete, wood, and glass. Each material contributes to the overall aesthetic and functional goals of the project. Brick offers durability and a warm texture, linking the modern design to traditional forms. Concrete is utilized for its structural integrity, permitting expansive open spaces that define the interiors. Wood provides a natural and inviting atmosphere, while glass facades enhance connectivity with the outdoors, encouraging natural light to penetrate interior spaces.

One of the unique aspects of the Caduceus project is the incorporation of two spiral staircases that enhance vertical connectivity across the duplex units. These staircases serve not only as practical features for movement within the dwelling but also as architectural highlights that evoke a sense of fluidity. They facilitate a seamless transition between functional zones, thereby enriching the lived experience for residents.

The project intentionally excludes traditional backyards and instead emphasizes a symmetrical façade, enhancing light and airflow dynamics within the units. This thoughtful design approach leverages the landscape to provide communal areas that promote interaction while maintaining individual privacy. The design of these outdoor spaces encourages social gatherings and interactions, which is essential in combatting the isolation often found in densely populated urban environments.

Caduceus creatively engages with historical housing contexts, acknowledging the legacy of miners’ living conditions and transforming them into solutions that address today’s needs. This thoughtful reference to the past informs the project’s architectural language and highlights the resilience and evolution of residential design principles.

For those interested in exploring the nuances of the Caduceus project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed design elements, a closer review of the project presentation is encouraged. Gaining insight into the architectural designs and ideas that shape this residential concept will provide a deeper understanding of its objectives and innovative approach to modern urban living.
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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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