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Staggered Blocks Creating Communal Living Spaces with Privacy

Authors:
Huang Jiadil, Kerui Jiang
Staggered Blocks Creating Communal Living Spaces with Privacy

Project in-detail

Staggered blocks create a living environment that balances communal interaction and individual privacy, designed specifically for technology professionals seeking adaptable urban spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Staggered block configuration maximizes both privacy and communal spaces.
02
Flexible layouts accommodate multiple living arrangements for diverse residents.
03
Integrated workspaces are designed to meet the needs of technology professionals.
04
Central communal areas foster social interaction and community engagement.
05
Single and double bed options enhance the adaptability of sleeping arrangements.

The project introduces a modern living concept designed for technology professionals. Situated in an urban environment, the design utilizes a staggered block arrangement inspired by the Chinese Kong mingsuo. This layout is intended to create a balance between personal privacy and shared community spaces, responding to the evolving lifestyles of its users.

Living Units

The design includes well-defined living units that prioritize essential amenities and functional organization. Each unit in Section 1 comprises key appliances like a refrigerator, washing machine, and closet. This integration supports a practical living experience, making daily tasks more straightforward.

Functional Spaces

Flexibility is a major focus in the overall layout. Section 2 features an integrated bathroom and kitchen, which are complemented by a dining area and adaptable spaces. This setup accommodates diverse needs, allowing residents to customize their environments. In Section 3, dedicated workspaces further enhance the design by providing areas where professionals can work comfortably from home.

Community Engagement

Social interaction is a key element of the design. Section 4 is devoted to communal areas that encourage residents to connect with one another. This fosters a sense of community and shared experiences. Sleeping arrangements in Section 5 include options for single and double beds, making the units suitable for various household sizes and configurations.

Design Variations

The project presents two different room layouts. Form 1 is tailored for those who prefer compact living. It includes a single bed, a desk, a dining table, and a window air conditioning unit. On the other hand, Form 2 offers a more spacious option with a double bed and double sofa. This thoughtful organization enhances the usability of each unit while promoting a blend of privacy and community. The design ultimately creates a comfortable living environment that addresses the needs of today's urban residents.

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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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