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Sustainable Community Housing Emphasizing Floating Roofs and Integrated Green Spaces

Authors:
Florencia Gutierrez, James Herrmann
Sustainable Community Housing Emphasizing Floating Roofs and Integrated Green Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating floating roofs and modular courtyard arrangements, this residential design creates a cohesive community environment for relocated farmers while emphasizing sustainability and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates floating roof designs to enhance natural ventilation and light entry.
02
Utilizes modular construction for flexible residential configurations based on family needs.
03
Features integrated rooftop gardens that promote biodiversity and community gardening.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for improved durability and fire resistance.
05
Includes dedicated communal spaces for social events and local markets, fostering community interaction.

### Project Overview

This report presents an analysis of two architectural design initiatives aimed at addressing urban housing challenges in China, particularly for farmers displaced by rapid urbanization. The projects focus on creating sustainable living environments that encourage community connectivity, social interaction, and ecological balance within newly developed urban landscapes.

### The Mushroom House Re-Envisioned

**Concept and Design Elements:**
The Mushroom House concept seeks to address the issues of community integration in the context of urban expansion. The design employs block-like massing that allows for ample natural light and ventilation, thereby avoiding overwhelming the skyline. The inclusion of open spaces interspersed with greenery enhances both the aesthetic and environmental quality of the project.

A distinguishing feature is the integration of green spaces, including rooftop gardens and communal terraces, which not only serve as recreational areas but also promote urban biodiversity. The materials selected for construction—glass for transparency, steel for structural integrity, concrete for durability, and vegetation for landscaping—collectively underscore a commitment to sustainability by utilizing renewable energy sources and eco-friendly practices.

### The Courtyard Module

**Spatial Strategy and Cultural Integration:**
The Courtyard Module contextualizes traditional Chinese architecture within modern urban settings by facilitating a blend of private and communal spaces. The layout is modular, allowing for flexibility, where the ground floor contains public and semi-private areas, while the second floor features private quarters. This organization aims to enhance neighborly interactions without compromising individual privacy.

Incorporating elements such as floating roofs and privacy screens, the design honors historic architectural practices while modernizing their application. The chosen materials—terracotta tiles for the roof, local stone for facades, brick for screens, and concrete for foundations—reflect a commitment to both local identity and structural resilience. A private garden area attached to each unit further promotes environmental interaction and sustainable living.

### Social(ist) Paradise

**Community-Centric Design and Social Interaction:**
As a community hub, the Social(ist) Paradise project emphasizes the integration of public and private areas to foster social interaction. Its design incorporates multifunctional spaces that accommodate community events, including green spaces and marketplaces, thereby creating a dense yet inviting urban environment.

Homes are organized into residential clusters, promoting a strong sense of belonging within the community. The use of concrete and steel for structural components ensures robustness, while wood accents add warmth to the overall aesthetics. The layout prioritizes pedestrian pathways and effective vehicular management, and resources such as urban farms and marketplaces are embedded within the design to encourage self-sufficiency and social engagement.

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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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