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Thermal Panels and Community Engagement in Sustainable Prefabricated Living Spaces

Author:
Douglas Furia
Thermal Panels and Community Engagement in Sustainable Prefabricated Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing prefabricated insulated panels and reinforced steel frames, this modular housing solution promotes community living while addressing affordability in urban spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units designed for easy expansion to accommodate changing family sizes.
02
Integration of communal kitchens and green spaces to foster community interaction.
03
Utilization of prefabricated insulated wall panels to enhance energy efficiency.
04
Compact urban footprint aimed at maximizing available land in densely populated areas.
05
Reinforced steel frames provide structural stability while reducing construction time.

The Additive Housing Berlin project aims to address the urgent need for affordable housing within the urban environment of Berlin, specifically targeting the district of Mitte. The design leverages a modular construction approach that promotes flexibility and communal living. By utilizing prefabricated components, the project seeks to offer economical solutions for diverse family structures, ultimately creating a sustainable community.

Modularity is at the core of this architectural design. The project consists of multiple prefabricated units, each designed for specific functions, including bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. This modular approach allows for the creation of adaptable living spaces that can grow with the residents' changing needs. The potential for future additions ensures that the housing can accommodate varying family sizes and dynamics, enabling residents to expand their living environments as required.

Community interaction is an essential facet of the Additive Housing Berlin project. The design integrates shared spaces, which include communal kitchens, bathrooms, and recreational areas. These spaces facilitate social engagement among residents, reinforcing a sense of belonging and community spirit. Landscape features, such as rooftop gardens and green communal areas, further enhance interactions and contribute to residents’ well-being.

The project distinguishes itself through its focus on economic accessibility and inclusive ownership. By promoting a model where residents actively participate in the ownership process, it provides a viable path toward homeownership for lower-income families. This approach counters the rising trend of exclusion from the housing market, addressing socioeconomic disparities prevalent in many urban centers.

From a material perspective, the project incorporates various durable elements to ensure long-term sustainability. Prefabricated insulated wall panels enhance energy efficiency while reducing construction timelines. Reinforced steel frames provide structural integrity, while utility modules streamline the construction process by integrating essential services within the modular units.

Architectural sections of the Additive Housing Berlin illustrate the innovative integration of private and communal spaces. The design prioritizes natural light and ventilation through strategically placed windows and openings, creating comfortable living environments. The seamless connection between interior living spaces and external communal areas promotes a holistic living experience.

To gain deeper insights into this project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs presented. Understanding the architectural ideas at play will provide valuable context to the unique approaches adopted in this project, enhancing comprehension of its objectives and potential impact on urban living in Berlin.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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