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Sustainable Habitats Enclosed in Glass and Concrete With Green Courtyards

Authors:
Jaemin Kim, Gwanseo Mun
Sustainable Habitats Enclosed in Glass and Concrete With Green Courtyards

Project in-detail

Characterized by its extensive use of glazed facades and interspersed green courtyards, the design seamlessly integrates urban living with sustainability, catering to the needs of a modern community.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates extensive greenery on terraces to enhance biodiversity.
02
Utilizes a unique bent A-frame design to optimize natural light.
03
Integrates communal spaces designed to promote neighbor interactions.
04
Features large glazed facades for increased transparency and views.
05
Constructed with a durable steel frame for flexibility in layout.

## Overview

The "Broken Boundary" project is located in Milan and offers a contemporary solution to urban residential architecture, addressing the diverse needs of modern housing within the city's evolving landscape. The design emphasizes the relationship between private and communal spaces, facilitating community engagement while ensuring individual privacy and access to greenery. This intent is reflected in the thoughtful arrangement of building components, integrating the development into the urban context of Milan.

## Spatial Arrangement and Connectivity

The project features an innovative floor plan that optimizes the residential units while maximizing natural light and accessibility. Central courtyards function as pivotal links between individual homes and communal areas, promoting interaction among residents. The interconnected design nurtures a communal lifestyle without compromising personal space, embodying a balanced approach to urban living. The vertical and horizontal relationships established between various areas ensure an efficient flow of movement and a user-friendly experience.

## Material Selection and Environmental Integration

Materiality is a critical aspect of the design, contributing to both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Key materials include a structural steel frame, which allows flexibility in layout, and glazed facades that enhance transparency and natural light access. Durable concrete forms the robust framework of the building, while warm wood finishes are incorporated in interior elements for added comfort. The integration of green spaces across various levels not only enhances visual quality but also promotes ecological benefits, enriching the urban environment and supporting biodiversity. This careful material selection underscores a commitment to sustainability in modern architecture.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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