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Timber Cells with Polycarbonate Roofs Enhancing Urban Living

Author:
John Henry
Timber Cells with Polycarbonate Roofs Enhancing Urban Living

Project in-detail

Timber cells arranged for effective cross ventilation and integrated with polycarbonate roofs create a sustainable living environment that emphasizes community in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber cells are stacked vertically to optimize space and enhance airflow.
02
Each unit features roof terraces designed for private outdoor living.
03
Polycarbonate sheets provide natural lighting while reducing overall weight.
04
Cross-ventilation promotes energy efficiency and thermal comfort.
05
The layout encourages community interaction through shared spaces.

The hive model presents a fresh approach to modular housing designed for the dense urban landscape of London. It features a system of vertically stacked living units aligned along elevator cores, with horizontal corridors connecting them. This layout enhances light and air circulation, creating a comfortable environment for residents. The design balances private living spaces with communal areas, promoting a sense of community.

Design Concept

The structure consists of cells that offer two floors, with some levels positioned at half floor heights relative to adjacent units. This clever arrangement allows for effective cross ventilation, helping to manage temperature naturally. Roof terraces further enhance the design, providing private outdoor spaces that create opportunities for residents to engage with their surroundings.

Material and Sustainability

Sustainability is a key focus in the design, with lightweight materials used throughout. The primary material is timber, which is paired with polycarbonate sheets that add transparency and lightness to the structure. These choices limit the project's environmental impact during construction while ensuring good natural lighting and cooling within the units. The lightweight nature of these materials also contributes to lowering the carbon footprint, aligning with current goals in sustainable living.

Community Engagement

The layout encourages social interaction among residents. Shared spaces are integrated into the design, fostering connections within the community. Ample parking solutions provided at ground level enhance the practicality of the project, ensuring ease of access for residents and visitors alike.

The hive model's use of timber contrasts with the stone and brick typical of much of London’s architecture. This blend of contemporary design with natural elements offers an inviting aesthetic. Each detail contributes to a living environment focused on comfort and community while responding thoughtfully to urban challenges.

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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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