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Timber Pods and Rooftop Gardens in a Sustainable Urban Community

Authors:
Yi-ju Tseng, Ines Benavente molina
Timber Pods and Rooftop Gardens in a Sustainable Urban Community

Project in-detail

Modular timber pods integrate with a concrete structure and Vierendeel trusses to create adaptable housing units, enhanced by rooftop gardens that contribute to urban sustainability and community living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular timber pods allow customizable living arrangements.
02
Rooftop gardens provide green space and urban farming opportunities.
03
Vierendeel trusses enhance structural integrity while maximizing open space.
04
Rainwater capture systems support water sustainability within the community.
05
Steel base modules connect seamlessly to existing urban structures.

The design addresses urban housing issues in Sydney, Australia, a city facing significant affordability challenges while maintaining low population density. The central idea focuses on increasing urban living space by reusing existing structures. This approach aims to create a more sustainable environment, offering practical solutions to housing shortages while enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Structural Framework

The project uses a modular system that promotes flexibility and encourages community interaction. Steel base modules connect to existing buildings, efficiently utilizing current infrastructure. This method reduces the need for additional land, enabling better use of the already developed urban area. By integrating these modules, the design fosters a sense of belonging while maintaining the essence of city living.

Living Units

Habitable units within the design feature modular timber pods meant for different uses, including sleeping and wet areas. These pods are easily customizable, allowing residents to adjust their living spaces according to personal needs. Their self-supporting structure permits stacking and rearranging, providing a practical solution that adapts to changing lifestyle demands. This flexibility caters to a variety of living arrangements and enhances the overall living experience.

Sustainability Integration

Sustainability is a key consideration in the design. Rooftop gardens provide green space and contribute to local biodiversity while offering residents a chance to grow their own food. The integration of renewable energy features, such as windmills, rainwater capture systems, and solar water heating panels, emphasizes a commitment to eco-friendly living. These elements work together to create a low-impact environment that supports both residents' needs and the planet's health.

Above these modular living units, a primary concrete slab supports two porticos made with Vierendeel trusses. This structural feature not only strengthens the design but also creates open spaces that promote interaction among residents. The thoughtful arrangement allows for flexibility and accessibility, contributing to a vibrant community atmosphere.

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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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