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Suspended Structure Featuring Reinforced Concrete and Open Marketplace for Urban Living

Author:
Chatchanan Wattanasiri
Suspended Structure Featuring Reinforced Concrete and Open Marketplace for Urban Living

Project in-detail

Elevated above the bustling streets of Bangkok, a suspended structure crafted from reinforced concrete incorporates an open marketplace beneath residential units, merging community functions with urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended design utilizes the space beneath an elevated highway for both residential and commercial purposes.
02
Open marketplace on the lower level promotes local business and enhances community interaction.
03
Reinforced concrete construction allows durability while maintaining an airy atmosphere.
04
Flexible unit configurations cater to diverse resident needs and lifestyles.
05
Innovative ventilation strategies minimize energy use while maximizing comfort in living spaces.

**Overview**

The Suspension Shophouse, situated in the Khlong Toei District of Bangkok, Thailand, addresses the challenges presented by urban voids beneath elevated highways. This project integrates residential, commercial, and communal spaces, aiming to foster community interaction while meeting functional design objectives. By reimagining these underutilized areas, the design promotes economic activity and enhances the vibrancy of the neighborhood.

**Spatial Configuration and User Interaction**

The project employs a unique suspended structural system that elevates the living spaces above ground-level traffic, creating a dynamic environment below. The arrangement includes single residential units of approximately 12 square meters and duplex units of around 34 square meters, providing configuration flexibility to accommodate diverse community needs. Interstitial balconies promote social exchanges, while strategically placed common areas facilitate gatherings and events, thereby enhancing community cohesion.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**

A careful selection of materials reinforces both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. The primary framework utilizes reinforced concrete, ensuring durability, while metal mesh and railings provide necessary ventilation without compromising openness. The incorporation of colored glass and polycarbonate panels enhances light diffusion and vibrancy, alongside the warmth of wood elements in flooring and finishes. This thoughtful materiality not only supports the building's functionality but also aligns with sustainable practices, minimizing ecological impact and prioritizing the use of existing urban infrastructure.

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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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