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Steel Framework With Green Roofs For Community Living

Authors:
Miodrag Novakovic, Lazar Dimitrijevc
Steel Framework With Green Roofs For Community Living

Project in-detail

A system of steel pillars supports modular units with green roofs and integrated buffer zones, creating a flexible living environment that enhances community interaction in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Each unit features a green roof that serves as an accessible garden for the residents above.
02
Steel pillars allow for flexible modular configurations that can adapt to various urban settings.
03
Green buffer zones provide privacy and help reduce summer temperatures between living units.
04
The design maximizes greenery, aiming for a more than 200% increase in vegetation on-site.
05
Three distinct apartment types cater to diverse living arrangements and community needs.

Grape House acts as a thoughtful solution for affordable housing in Toronto, blending function with an innovative design inspired by a bunch of grapes. Its modular structure is adaptable, allowing residents to customize their living spaces while promoting a sense of community. The overall concept focuses on creating a harmonious environment that nurtures relationships among residents.

Conceptual Framework

At the heart of Grape House is a system built on steel pillars, which serve as the framework for its modular design. This choice provides flexibility in unit configurations, making it possible to create various living arrangements. The layout encourages vertical interactions, connecting apartments to shared green spaces. This thoughtful arrangement not only enhances privacy but also fosters a community-oriented atmosphere.

Privacy and Green Integration

Key features of Grape House include green buffer zones placed between the living units. These areas not only protect against noise but also contribute to cooling the surroundings during warm weather. Another interesting aspect is the design of flat roofs, where one unit's rooftop garden is accessible to neighbors. This collaboration reinforces the building’s commitment to sustainable living and thermal efficiency, combining plant life with residential space.

Sustainability and Urban Connectivity

The project places a strong emphasis on sustainability with plans to increase greenery significantly. This includes the introduction of agricultural gardens and a variety of plants such as bamboo, which together create a vibrant and lush environment. By encouraging residents to rely less on cars and utilize the nearby public transportation system, the design aims to maintain a reduced carbon footprint while integrating seamlessly into the urban landscape.

Residential Diversity

Grape House accommodates various lifestyles by offering three types of apartments. There is a compact 16 m² unit for students, a 32 m² unit suitable for two people, and a larger 64 m² unit designed for small families. This range ensures that the building meets different living needs and promotes inclusivity among residents.

The building’s façade showcases different depths and textures, creating a dynamic appearance that changes with the light throughout the day. This thoughtful detail enhances the visual appeal while contributing to the architectural identity of Grape House.

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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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