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Suspended Living Spaces Featuring Steel Framing and Glass Facades Beneath a Historic Viaduct

Author:
Martin Flegl
Suspended Living Spaces Featuring Steel Framing and Glass Facades Beneath a Historic Viaduct

Project in-detail

Constructed beneath an existing railway viaduct, the design employs steel framing and glass facades to create modular residential units that enhance urban living while integrating community spaces and efficient technical areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed beneath a historic railway viaduct, maximizing urban space use.
02
Utilizes modular steel framing for rapid assembly and flexibility in redesign.
03
Includes glass facades to enhance natural light and visual connection to the outside.
04
Incorporates shared communal balconies to encourage resident interaction.
05
Design maintains technical service areas on the ground level for operational efficiency.

### Project Overview

Located in the Czech Republic, this architectural initiative seeks to address urban housing shortages through the innovative repurposing of an underutilized railway viaduct. The approach emphasizes the integration of sustainable housing solutions within the existing urban infrastructure, presenting a multi-level housing solution that accommodates both residential and commercial needs. The design aims to enhance the aesthetic and functional qualities of spaces that have historically been neglected.

### Structural and Spatial Strategy

The housing units are suspended beneath the arches of the viaduct, utilizing steel and reinforced concrete frames to maintain the integrity of the original structure. This spatial organization employs a three-level layout: the ground floor functions as a combined storage area and technical facility, while the second floor serves as the main residential area, incorporating both communal and private living spaces. The third floor features extensive balconies and common areas to foster community interaction.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

The material palette includes durable steel and reinforced concrete for structural integrity, complemented by glass to enhance natural light penetration and visual connectivity with the outdoors. The interior finishes utilize wood, contributing warmth and comfort to the living spaces. Prefabrication techniques are employed to minimize construction waste, while the overall design promotes efficient assembly, thereby reducing disruptions to the surrounding environment. The layout is intentionally designed to maximize light and airflow, creating healthier living environments while encouraging social interaction among residents.

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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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