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Timber Panels and Portable Units Enhancing Urban Living Flexibility

Authors:
Mehdi Gharibi, Shima Kheyri
Timber Panels and Portable Units Enhancing Urban Living Flexibility

Project in-detail

Portable units and strategically designed timber panels create adaptable living spaces that respond to the diverse needs of urban residents in Toronto.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for easy reconfiguration based on user needs.
02
Timber panels provide both structural integrity and insulation.
03
Rooftop gardens enhance urban greening and sustainability.
04
A delivery shaft system ensures privacy during deliveries.
05
Folding balconies create multifunctional outdoor spaces.

TURNING DIVERSITY is a project that focuses on modular living solutions designed for urban settings. Located in Toronto, it addresses the varying needs of city residents by offering flexible and customizable spaces. With prefabricated modular units at its core, the design aims to create adaptable environments that reflect the diverse lifestyle of the city's inhabitants.

Design Concept
The idea behind TURNING DIVERSITY is to utilize standard modular timber panels to assemble different types of living spaces. This approach supports both individual and shared living arrangements, allowing people to personalize their homes according to their specific requirements. The design integrates several functional areas like living rooms, bedrooms, and workspaces, fostering engagement and connections among residents.

Materials and Structure
The main structural element consists of timber panels that contribute to the project’s modular framework. Brackets provide essential support, allowing for efficient construction and adaptability in design. The use of thermal and humidity insulation helps ensure comfort while also improving energy performance. These choices reflect a practical approach to meeting the demands of urban living.

Innovative Features
TURNING DIVERSITY includes portable units that provide added flexibility. These self-contained structures give residents the option to change their living configurations as their needs evolve. A folding entrance balcony enhances security and can adapt to the space requirements of residents. Inside, a folding staircase leads to possible rooftop gardens, supporting environmentally friendly practices and promoting green spaces in an urban setting.

User-Centric Approach
The design prioritizes the needs of its users, with features that enhance daily living experiences. For example, a delivery shaft reduces the need for face-to-face interaction with delivery personnel, which improves privacy and safety. This thoughtful approach reflects an understanding of the challenges faced by urban dwellers and creates an environment where each unit serves as both a private space and a hub for community interaction.

The integration of modular elements with innovative design in TURNING DIVERSITY establishes a setting that supports urban lifestyles while ensuring adaptability. Each unit invites natural light and promotes airflow, enhancing the living experience for all its residents.

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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

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