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Sustainable Micro-Living Units Enhanced by Quadcore Panels and Integrated Community Spaces

Author:
Samuel Jon Westbrook Weston
Sustainable Micro-Living Units Enhanced by Quadcore Panels and Integrated Community Spaces

Project in-detail

Employing Quadcore panels for superior insulation and integrating a community-oriented ground floor, these micro-living units redefine urban housing solutions in the heart of Berlin.
5 key facts about this project
01
Located in Berlin, the project repurposes urban parking spaces into functional micro-living units.
02
The design incorporates Quadcore panels for enhanced energy efficiency and thermal performance.
03
Modular construction allows for vertical stacking, optimizing limited urban footprint.
04
Ground floor space is dedicated to community use, fostering social interaction among residents.
05
Innovative rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems contribute to sustainability.
The "Park Life" project in Berlin addresses the challenges of urban housing shortages through innovative design that repurposes underutilized parking spaces into micro-living units. The project responds to the growing population's demand for affordable living while promoting community interaction in a densely populated urban area.

The design integrates residential, commercial, and public spaces, creating a compact and multifunctional environment. The architectural layout features modular units stacked vertically, facilitating the provision of living areas alongside common amenities. This approach effectively maximizes limited urban space and enhances interactions both within the residential community and with the surrounding neighborhood.

Unique Spatial Arrangement

What differentiates "Park Life" from conventional housing projects is its focus on micro-living units, each around 25 m². These units are designed to accommodate two residents, featuring dedicated areas for living, sleeping, and workspace. This multifunctionality is essential for urban dwellers' modern lifestyles, as it allows for a seamless transition between work and home life. Additionally, the ground floor is dedicated to community engagement, functioning as a café or bar that invites public use and activates the street-level experience.

The building's modular structure allows for vertical expansion, enabling future adaptability while ensuring efficient use of existing space. The incorporation of a spiral staircase not only connects the micro-units while saving space but also serves as a visual focal point in the design.

Sustainable Architectural Solutions

The "Park Life" project emphasizes sustainability through various design strategies and material selections. Built with Kingspan Quadcore panels, the structure achieves superior insulation, contributing to energy efficiency. Anodized aluminum sunshades minimize solar gain, while high-performance triple-glazed windows provide natural light without compromising thermal comfort.

The building also incorporates innovative water management systems, such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling, contributing to its ecological footprint. The use of composting toilets highlights the project’s commitment to sustainability by converting waste into usable resources for urban flora.

For a deeper understanding of the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that contribute to the unique features of “Park Life,” readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation of the project. Engaging with these elements will provide valuable insights into the innovative approaches that define this architectural endeavor.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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