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Sustainable Living in Recycled Containers with Integrated Green Spaces

Authors:
Alexander Rouditser, Luisa Calle, Tien chuan Tiu, Huei Loo
Sustainable Living in Recycled Containers with Integrated Green Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled shipping containers and incorporating green spaces, the development creates an affordable, modular community that promotes sustainability and social interaction in Melbourne.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled shipping containers form the primary structure for affordable housing.
02
Every unit is equipped with solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems.
03
Elevated bridges connect housing blocks and enhance community interaction.
04
The development incorporates communal gardens and aquaponics for sustainability.
05
Flexibility in design allows residents to customize their living spaces.

The REVITA project responds to housing affordability challenges in Melbourne, a city known for its livability. The initiative focuses on transforming under-utilized urban spaces into thriving communities. By integrating modular designs and sustainable practices, the aim is to create accessible living environments that also promote social interaction. The concept emphasizes the reuse of existing urban land to fulfill housing needs while fostering connections between residents.

Design Concept

At the center of REVITA is the idea of flexibility. The project allows residents to customize their homes according to their preferences. It targets areas such as vacant lots, parks, and parking spaces, repurposing them into useful living environments. The design encourages a sense of community, making the project an integral part of the city.

Materials and Sustainability

Recycled shipping containers form the backbone of the project. This material choice is practical due to its durability and adaptability. By using shipping containers, the design can offer affordable housing solutions while also minimizing waste. Every housing unit is equipped with solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, showcasing a dedication to sustainability. These features help residents manage energy use and conserve valuable resources.

Community Integration

The design includes various communal spaces that support interaction among residents. Facilities like community houses and commercial areas are integrated into the layout, promoting engagement within the neighborhood. Elevated bridges connect different housing blocks, creating outdoor spaces for activities and ensuring residents feel separate from city noise and traffic. This layout enhances the overall living experience.

Green Infrastructure

The design incorporates innovative roofs that collect rainwater and support greenery. These roofs not only assist in managing water but also offer residents access to green spaces for relaxation and leisure. By integrating nature into the design, the project contributes to the ecological health of the area.

The final arrangement of REVITA brings together residential units, green roof gardens, and commercial spaces around a central plaza. This layout encourages social interaction, enriching the overall urban environment and creating a welcoming atmosphere for the community.

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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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