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Suspended Structures with Reinforced Concrete and Green Roofs for Urban Living

Authors:
Zhiyu Zhang, Zilin Jing, Yangtong Zhao
Suspended Structures with Reinforced Concrete and Green Roofs for Urban Living

Project in-detail

Suspended structures utilizing reinforced concrete and modular units beneath the Manhattan Bridge redefine urban living through flexible residential configurations and integrated green spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended living units leverage the structural integrity of the Manhattan Bridge for innovative residential designs.
02
Modular configurations allow for adaptive living arrangements based on community needs.
03
Integration of green roofs promotes biodiversity and enhances urban ecology.
04
Use of recycled materials minimizes environmental impact and supports sustainability.
05
Public corridors foster social interaction and create communal gathering spaces.

## Project Overview

The Living-Synthesis project is located in New York City beneath the Manhattan Bridge and aims to address urban housing challenges through a comprehensive design that integrates residential units with communal spaces and green environments. By leveraging the existing infrastructure, the project seeks to tackle issues related to urban gentrification and affordable housing, while promoting a harmonious coexistence of modern urban living and historical context.

### Spatial Strategy

The design employs a "hybrid system" approach, intricately combining residential, communal, and public spaces. The residential units are organized in a vertical stacking format beneath the bridge, utilizing modular configurations that adapt to the diverse needs of the community. Communal corridors and garden areas serve as social hubs, encouraging interaction among residents and fostering a sense of community. Additionally, innovative ownership models allow residents to have a stake in their living environment, thereby redefining urban property perceptions.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Materials selected for the project reflect a commitment to sustainability and structural integrity. Reinforced concrete provides durability and load-bearing support, while steel elements ensure flexibility in interior layouts. Extensive use of glass maximizes natural light and visual connection to the outdoors, and wood is incorporated within residential units for warmth. The use of sustainable composites and recycled aggregates aligns with the project's ecological objectives, further emphasizing responsible living practices.

This design integrates innovative features and adheres to sustainability principles, setting a standard for future urban developments that prioritize both community and environmental stewardship.

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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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