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Suspended Container Housing with Integrated Greenery Beneath an Elevated Infrastructure

Author:
Marie-ellÉn Adebar
Suspended Container Housing with Integrated Greenery Beneath an Elevated Infrastructure

Project in-detail

Suspended beneath the Bang Na Expressway, repurposed shipping containers create a modular living environment enriched with greenery, addressing urban housing needs through innovative design and communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended units utilize existing infrastructure for innovative residential solutions.
02
Repurposed shipping containers enhance sustainability and reduce construction waste.
03
Integrated green spaces promote biodiversity and improve urban aesthetics.
04
Modular design allows for flexibility in residential configurations.
05
Communal areas encourage social interaction and enhance community living.
The Hanging Houses project in Bangkok, Thailand, represents an innovative response to the need for urban housing within a densely populated metropolitan area. Positioned beneath the Bang Na Expressway, this architectural design skillfully integrates residential units with the existing infrastructure. The project emphasizes efficient spatial organization and sustainable living, catering to the growing demand for adaptable housing solutions in urban environments.

In this project, the primary function is to provide affordable and environmentally conscious living options for residents, while also creating community-centric spaces that facilitate social interaction. The design features modular housing units, constructed predominantly from repurposed shipping containers, offering a practical approach to materiality and aesthetics. This choice not only addresses cost concerns but also enhances the building’s sustainability profile.

The layout comprises private apartments interspersed with communal areas, promoting a balance between personal space and community engagement. Each unit is oriented to maximize access to natural light and ventilation, with carefully positioned balconies and shared gardens contributing to the overall livability of the environment. Elements such as landscaping are integrated throughout the design, reinforcing connections to nature while improving urban biodiversity.

Unique Design Approaches

The Hanging Houses project distinguishes itself through its innovative use of elevation and integration of public and private domains. The concept of suspending residential units beneath an existing overpass challenges conventional urban housing paradigms. By utilizing an elevated position, the design not only reclaims unused urban space but also offers residents a distinct living experience characterized by both privacy and skyline views.

The project’s modular construction utilizing shipping containers showcases a strategic approach to sustainability, demonstrating how adaptive reuse can significantly reduce material waste. This design not only contributes to building resilience but also facilitates rapid construction timelines and flexibility for future modifications.

Community engagement is pronounced within this project, where shared spaces are thoughtfully incorporated to enhance social interaction among residents. The layout emphasizes openness and connectivity, using corridors and gardens that invite activity and collaboration. This focus on the communal living experience reflects a progressive approach to modern urban lifestyle needs.

Architectural Innovations

Key architectural innovations lie in the interplay of various materials that form the structure. The combination of wood and glass provides warmth and transparency to the living environment, while concrete frames deliver structural integrity required in an unconventional setting. The thoughtful design encourages a visually coherent aesthetic that blends seamlessly into the urban context.

For those seeking deeper insights into this project, an exploration of the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs will reveal the comprehensive design ideas at play. Each component of the Hanging Houses project is meticulously crafted, demonstrating an efficient and sustainable model for future urban housing developments. Explore the project presentation for more details regarding its architectural vision and functional attributes.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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