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Sustainable Community Framework Featuring Transparency and Modular Design with Local Materials

Authors:
Pui Quan Choi, Masahiro Nakamura
Sustainable Community Framework Featuring Transparency and Modular Design with Local Materials

Project in-detail

Utilizing local materials and modular design, the architecture enhances communal living through transparency and adaptability, creating a vibrant multi-generational housing environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact.
02
Incorporates a unique bent A-frame structure for enhanced spatial dynamics.
03
Features extensive use of glass facades to maximize natural light and connectivity.
04
Modular design allows for flexible living configurations tailored to family needs.
05
Central courtyards foster community interaction and outdoor engagement.
The architectural project "Rethinking the Courtyard" responds to the contemporary housing challenges in Guiyang, China, by integrating traditional design principles with modern living requirements. This project aims to create multi-generational living environments that emphasize communal spaces while respecting cultural heritage. The architectural design promotes social interaction and community ties through the revitalization of the courtyard concept, which serves as the core organizing element of the site.

The project comprises various residential units that are structured around shared green spaces and courtyards, fostering a sense of belonging among residents. Each unit allows for adaptability in layout, accommodating different family sizes and needs while offering both private and communal areas. The incorporation of natural elements aims to enhance the experience of daily life within an urban context.

Unique Design Approaches

One of the defining aspects of the design is its focus on the courtyard as a central feature. The layout encourages engagement among residents, contrasting with the isolation often seen in modern high-rise developments. By organizing units around shared outdoor spaces, the project enhances opportunities for social interaction while providing a retreat from the densely populated urban environment.

The architectural design employs a modular approach, allowing for varied configurations tailored to meet diverse living requirements. This strategy addresses the need for flexibility, enabling families to expand their units or adapt the interior layouts according to their evolving needs. The use of sustainable materials like concrete, glass, steel, and wood not only ensures robustness and durability but also emphasizes an eco-conscious approach to urban development.

Spatial Configuration and Connectivity

The spatial organization reflects a deliberate intention to create a sense of community through interconnected living environments. Residents navigate through open corridors and communal terraces that serve as transition spaces between private residences and public areas. The design integrates large windows and glass facades to maximize natural light and promote visual connections to the outdoor environment, blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces.

In addition to the layout, the project is strategically positioned to foster connectivity with existing urban infrastructure in Guiyang. This consideration enhances accessibility for residents, ensuring their engagement with the community and local resources. The emphasis on outdoor spaces, such as landscaped courtyards and communal gathering areas, further reinforces the project's goal to rejuvenate social life within a modern urban framework.

This architecture invites further exploration of its unique design principles. Readers are encouraged to examine the architectural plans and sections to gain a comprehensive understanding of how these elements interconnect to promote a higher quality of living. Discover the innovative architectural ideas that define this project and consider its implications for future urban developments.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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