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Steel Framework and Balcony Living in an Evolving Urban Environment

Author:
Myrrhine Fabricius
Steel Framework and Balcony Living in an Evolving Urban Environment

Project in-detail

With a robust steel framework supporting multiple balcony spaces, the design transforms underutilized urban courtyards into dynamic residential units aimed at fostering community interaction and adaptability for diverse living arrangements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Residential towers designed for user customization with flexible floor plans.
02
Emphasis on integrating underutilized courtyards into the urban fabric.
03
External steel structure enhances light distribution and ventilation.
04
Balconies on every floor promote outdoor engagement and interaction.
05
Adaptable housing solutions cater to various demographics and lifestyles.

The design presents a thoughtful response to the demands of urban living within the dynamic environment of Paris. It emphasizes the idea of flexibility and adaptability in residential spaces. The focus is on creating residential towers that can cater to different lifestyles, promoting a sense of community and allowing for personal customization of living environments. This approach seeks to meet the needs of a diverse population, while integrating various functions into a cohesive whole.

Conceptual Framework

At its core, the design embodies a notion of 'living' architecture that grows alongside its occupants. By including a range of housing types—such as small living cabins, student accommodations, larger family units, studios, offices, and retail spaces—the project addresses the varied needs of urban dwellers. This multi-use model reflects a comprehensive understanding of modern living and its diverse requirements, ultimately enhancing the overall usability of the space.

Urban Integration

An important aspect of the design focuses on connecting courtyards that are often overlooked with the bustling streets and rooftops. Through this strategy, the project aims to improve interaction between the residential spaces and the larger urban environment. The adaptability of the design facilitates its application in different contexts, allowing for enhanced connectivity and community engagement in various neighborhoods of the city.

Materiality and Structure

The design proposes an external steel structure that provides support for prefabricated floor plates. This structural choice promotes durability while allowing natural light and ventilation to flow into the residential units. The simplicity and functionality of these materials serve to create a modern aesthetic, while also respecting the traditional architectural elements commonly found in Paris.

Detailing and Occupant Engagement

User engagement is a significant focus of the design. Each floor incorporates balcony spaces, encouraging residents to connect with the outdoors, while a central core featuring lifts and staircases enhances accessibility. This attention to detail reinforces the idea of community within the residential setting. It allows for individual expression, making each living space unique, while visually linking the overall design to the architectural language of Paris.

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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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