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Terraced Gardens and Precast Concrete Panels Shaping Urban Living Spaces for Migrant Workers

Author:
Ziyu Li
Terraced Gardens and Precast Concrete Panels Shaping Urban Living Spaces for Migrant Workers

Project in-detail

Utilizing precast concrete panels and modular design, the development repurposes underutilized urban infrastructure to create cohesive living spaces that foster community among migrant workers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Precast concrete panels enhance rapid construction and adaptability for evolving community needs.
02
Terraced gardens are integrated to promote green space and social interaction among residents.
03
Modular design allows for scalability, accommodating varying family sizes and configurations.
04
The project repurposes underutilized urban spaces beneath a bridge, transforming overlooked areas into livable environments.
05
Community facilities are strategically placed to ensure accessibility and encourage resident engagement.

## Overview
The project "Life Under Bridge" is situated in Wanzhou, China, responding to the needs of migrant workers in an industrial urban context. It seeks to transform underutilized spaces beneath a highway bridge into functional living environments that accommodate residential units alongside communal facilities. The intent is to provide not only shelter but also a vibrant community atmosphere that addresses the socio-economic challenges faced by this demographic.

### Community-Centric Spatial Strategy
The layout is designed to foster a sense of belonging among residents through strategic spatial arrangements. Residential units are organized in clusters to promote social interaction, while common facilities for healthcare, education, and social gatherings are easily accessible to enhance community engagement. The integration of public transport access is also a crucial feature, facilitating connectivity for residents and reinforcing the project's emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility.

### Materiality and Structural Considerations
The architectural design utilizes a combination of modern and traditional materials, ensuring durability and aesthetic coherence within the urban landscape. A steel framework provides structural integrity, while precast concrete panels facilitate rapid assembly and allow for future adaptability. Glass features enhance natural light within living spaces, complemented by wood accents in communal areas that encourage interaction. The design incorporates modular living units and terraced gardens, promoting flexibility and community involvement in green initiatives.

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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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