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Transforming Railway Viaducts With Modular Units of PIR Insulation and Sustainable Glass Construction

Authors:
Jessica Hester, Anthony Cricchio, Gabriela Villalobos
Transforming Railway Viaducts With Modular Units of PIR Insulation and Sustainable Glass Construction

Project in-detail

Modular living units crafted with PIR insulation and expansive glass façades seamlessly integrate beneath historic railway viaducts, providing affordable housing solutions in a dense urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for adaptable living arrangements, accommodating various household sizes.
02
PIR insulation provides enhanced thermal performance and acoustic comfort against railway noise.
03
Glass façades maximize natural light and connect residents to the surrounding urban landscape.
04
The design revitalizes underutilized railway viaducts, merging historical infrastructure with modern living.
05
Community spaces are incorporated to promote resident interaction and enhance neighborhood ties.
The Viaduct project is an innovative architectural endeavor focused on transforming railway viaducts in London into vibrant, modular housing solutions. By making use of existing structures, this project addresses the critical need for affordable housing in urban environments. The design emphasizes flexibility, sustainability, and community engagement, offering a viable response to the challenges posed by rising housing costs and urban density.

Modular living units are situated beneath the viaducts, allowing for efficient land use while preserving the historical character of these transportation corridors. Each unit is designed with adaptability in mind, accommodating varying household sizes from individuals to small families. The architectural strategy includes elements that facilitate the swift deployment of units, optimizing construction time without compromising quality. The project integrates modern materials such as PIR structural panels for insulation, metal for structural support, glass for natural light access, and wood for interior finishes, all contributing to a cohesive aesthetic.

Design Innovation in Modular Housing

The Viaduct project distinguishes itself through its creative integration of modular housing within an existing urban framework. The use of modular design allows for rapid assembly and modification, enabling spaces that can evolve with changing demographics and individual needs. The inner shell of each unit provides significant acoustic insulation from the railway, addressing a primary concern for urban living near transit routes.

The core units feature essential amenities, such as kitchens and bathrooms, optimized for minimal spatial footprint, allowing flexibility in the arrangement of living areas. Room dividers can be customized to tailor the space to the specific requirements of residents, demonstrating an innovative approach to modern living that prioritizes comfort and personalization.

Community-Centric Urban Integration

This project promotes a sense of community by clustering units under the viaducts, creating communal areas and shared facilities that encourage resident interaction. The design incorporates communal gardens and recreational spaces, enhancing the quality of life for residents and fostering relationships among neighbors. By situating housing within the transportation framework, the project offers direct access to public transit, reducing dependence on private vehicles and promoting sustainable living practices.

The Viaduct project’s architectural vision reflects a careful balance between modern needs and historical preservation. It serves as a model for rethinking the use of urban infrastructures, making a meaningful impact on housing solutions while respecting the legacy of the structures it inhabits.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and overall design strategy of the Viaduct project, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed project presentation. This provides an opportunity to understand the full range of architectural ideas and decisions that shaped this unique initiative.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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