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Stepped Form Enhancing Density Through Self-Contained Residences

Author:
Justin Mallia
Stepped Form Enhancing Density Through Self-Contained Residences
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Characterized by a stepped form that enhances density, this development integrates self-contained residences with private outdoor spaces, addressing the need for community-focused living in a suburban context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Stepped building form promotes visual interest while enhancing density.
02
Each residence includes private outdoor spaces, fostering a sense of individuality.
03
Design prioritizes natural ventilation through strategic window placements.
04
Unique circulation routes connect homes to a multipurpose ground-floor area.
05
Configurations allow up to 22 self-contained units on a single suburban block.

The design reimagines suburban living by introducing a new housing typology that supports greater density while still allowing for personal expression within each home. Located in a typical suburban area, the project adapts standard residential blocks, which usually accommodate single-family houses, into arrangements suitable for multiple self-contained units. The overall design concept merges traditional suburban characteristics with modern needs, addressing issues related to urban sprawl and architectural involvement in residential projects.

Density and Configuration

The project restructures existing suburban blocks to house up to 22 residences. This significant increase in the number of units on a single site meets the growing demand for housing. Each home maintains a sense of individuality through features like private entrances, spacious backyards, and outdoor sheds. These elements create a feeling of ownership while connecting the homes with their surroundings.

Circulation and Community Interaction

Careful planning of circulation paths enhances the connections between residences. Well-designed pathways link each unit to multipurpose ground-floor spaces, improving accessibility and encouraging social interaction among residents. The layout is optimized for natural ventilation, ensuring that every unit receives adequate light and airflow, which contributes to the comfort of the living spaces.

Privacy and Environmental Considerations

Privacy is an essential element of the design, addressed through thoughtful architectural choices. Each unit has north-facing windows that open up to generous gardens, facilitating outdoor activities while shielding residents from views of neighboring homes. Horizontal screens are used to provide additional separation between levels, allowing each residence to maintain its own identity while still being part of a larger community.

Articulation of Form

The building's design features a stepped and shifting form, breaking up any bulkiness that might arise from higher density. This thoughtful structuring generates visual interest and promotes a lively streetscape. The design is sensitive to the neighborhood's existing character, balancing innovation with the familiar aesthetics of suburban life, which gives the project a cohesive and relatable appearance.

Detailing throughout the design reflects a focus on both personal and communal living, illustrating a deep awareness of the modern suburban landscape. Integrating natural elements with residential spaces encourages connections to the environment, fostering a comprehensive approach to contemporary living arrangements. Each unit serves as a reminder that housing can be functional, comfortable, and integrated into the broader community.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Stair
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

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  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

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Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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