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Staggered Planter Boxes and Brick Facades in Modular Community Housing

Author:
David Bernier
Staggered Planter Boxes and Brick Facades in Modular Community Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing staggered planter boxes and a combination of brick and wood elements, the design creates a modular community housing solution that promotes both privacy and social interaction among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Staggered modules enhance privacy and create engaging outdoor spaces.
02
Prefabricated in a climate-controlled facility to streamline construction.
03
Utilizes a combination of brick and wood for a cohesive aesthetic.
04
Includes privacy screens and planter boxes integrated into the design.
05
Solar roofing and rainwater catchment systems support sustainability.

The design project is an exploration of modular architecture that aims to meet modern housing needs through flexible and efficient living solutions. The concept is inspired by playful building systems like Lego and Ikea, allowing for a variety of user requirements to be addressed. Located in an urban area, it provides convenient access to amenities and public transport.

Modular Framework

The project features a modular framework made up of four separate modules, which can be combined to create different housing types, ranging from studios to three-bedroom flats. This method allows for a diverse housing stock, tailored to meet the needs of various demographics. The arrangement of the modules is carefully planned, ensuring optimal use of space that accommodates different living configurations.

Prefabrication Process

Prefabrication is a key part of the construction method, with the modules built in a climate-controlled environment. This allows site work and module construction to occur at the same time, streamlining the overall process. This approach not only saves time but also reduces costs associated with traditional building methods, making it a practical solution for housing development.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the modules incorporates staggered setbacks, which enhance privacy while fostering community interaction. Privacy screens at the ground level and planter boxes above add to the aesthetic and communal atmosphere. The offset stacking of the modules contributes to an engaging visual experience and enables the creation of covered walkways and terraces, offering residents meaningful access to outdoor spaces.

Materiality and Sustainability

The project uses a mix of brick and wood elements along with a Spanish tile roof, resulting in a warm and inviting appearance influenced by the Craftsman style. In contrast, metal panels and composite stone veneer create a modern look, emphasizing sustainable building practices. The design also includes a solar roofing system and a rainwater catchment system, which improve the environmental performance of the project.

The thoughtful arrangement of living spaces, combined with communal areas and landscaping, encourages social engagement, creating a lively and connected residential environment that addresses the needs of contemporary urban life.

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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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