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Staggered Structures Featuring Glass and Reinforced Concrete for Enhanced Urban Living

Author:
Ntchwaidumela Thomas
Staggered Structures Featuring Glass and Reinforced Concrete for Enhanced Urban Living

Project in-detail

Staggered building blocks of reinforced concrete and abundant glass create light-filled communal spaces within a framework that prioritizes both privacy and social interaction for urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Staggered building blocks enhance natural light and air circulation within the residential units.
02
Community amenities are strategically placed on upper levels to foster social interaction.
03
Large glass panels create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
04
The design prioritizes both private and communal areas, addressing urban density challenges.
05
Reinforced concrete provides structural stability while allowing for flexible interior layouts.

### Overview
The project located in the urban village of Gangxia, Shenzhen, China, aims to provide housing solutions for 25 single-family units while addressing issues tied to urbanization, density, and community identity in a rapidly evolving area. The design focuses on fostering a collective housing environment that balances community engagement with individual privacy, effectively mitigating the sense of isolation often experienced in densely populated settings.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Integration
The layout consists of staggered building blocks that form terraces and communal amenities, promoting social interaction among residents. These formations not only enhance natural light and airflow but also contribute to the creation of engaging communal areas. The incorporation of outdoor balconies and shared spaces on upper levels fosters opportunities for leisure and connection, supporting a collective living experience while addressing the high-density conditions characteristic of the urban landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The choice of materials emphasizes both local relevance and sustainability. The project utilizes reinforced concrete for structural resilience, while wood elements enhance warmth in interior finishes. Extensive use of glass promotes transparency, encouraging a visual connection between the indoor and outdoor environments. Metal cladding adds durability and a contemporary aesthetic to the external facades. This material strategy not only responds to functional needs but also reflects a commitment to environmentally-conscious design principles, contributing to a sustainable urban fabric.

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

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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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