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Tensile Pipes and Hollow Slabs Shaping Vertical Neighborhoods in Melbourne

Authors:
Tuba Kulsum, Aquib Arfi
Tensile Pipes and Hollow Slabs Shaping Vertical Neighborhoods in Melbourne

Project in-detail

Utilizing tensile pipes and hollow slabs, the design creates adaptable prefabricated housing units that form a vertical neighborhood, addressing Melbourne's urban housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes tensile pipes for structural support in modular units.
02
Incorporates hollow slabs to reduce weight and enhance stability.
03
Features pocket gardens that promote community interaction.
04
Emphasizes vertical living to optimize land use in a dense urban area.
05
Designed for adaptability to accommodate various resident needs.

The design in Melbourne focuses on addressing the challenges of population growth and high housing costs in a bustling urban environment. It aims to create adaptable living spaces that fit within the existing infrastructure. By using a modular approach, the design promotes a configuration of prefabricated housing units. This method not only allows for efficient construction but also fosters connections within the community. The result is a vertical neighborhood that enhances the overall experience of living in the city.

Modularity and Flexibility

The project centers around the concepts of adaptation and re-use. Prefabricated units are designed to be assembled in various configurations, providing flexibility to meet different needs. Whether for singles, couples, or families, these adaptable units cater to various lifestyles. This modular strategy allows for quick assembly and easy modification, making it a practical solution for modern urban living.

Structural Components

To ensure durability, the design incorporates specific structural elements. Tensile pipes provide the necessary support for the modular units, and hollow core slabs create a robust framework. This combination contributes to the overall integrity of the building. Galvanized steel joins the modules together, reinforcing the connections and ensuring stability. These components work cohesively to maintain a safe living environment.

Sustainability and Environment

Sustainability takes center stage in the design, with features aimed at reducing energy consumption. Natural ventilation and ample daylight contribute to a healthy indoor atmosphere. Green spaces are integrated into the layout, offering residents areas to gather and enjoy nature. These elements not only enhance the living experience but also support the local ecosystem. The approach emphasizes a balanced relationship between the built environment and the nature surrounding it.

Community-Centric Design

The arrangement of the housing units encourages social interaction among residents. Terraces and pocket gardens provide shared spaces, fostering a sense of belonging. These outdoor areas invite residents to engage with one another, promoting a community spirit. The thoughtful layout ensures that while individual units offer privacy, there is also a clear connection to the wider neighborhood.

The design achieves a practical balance between community needs and individual living preferences. With unique lighting and outdoor spaces, each unit offers a link to nature. This connection enhances the overall living quality, allowing residents to thrive within the urban landscape while enjoying the benefits of a closely-knit 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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