Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Transforming Urban Roads into Vibrant Mews for Community Living

Authors:
Ella Nystrom, Matilda Svensk
Transforming Urban Roads into Vibrant Mews for Community Living

Project in-detail

By transforming under-utilized road networks into vibrant mews, the design creates accessible community living spaces that prioritize sustainability and enhance urban connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Transformative use of under-utilized road networks for residential living.
02
Integration of green infrastructure to manage stormwater effectively.
03
Adaptation of historical mews typology to foster community connection.
04
Focus on creating multi-functional streets that support diverse mobility.
05
Incremental densification strategy tailored to existing urban infrastructure.

The architectural design aims to address London's significant housing crisis while working within the constraints of its Green Belt. Rising land prices are making it difficult to find affordable housing, and the proposal focuses on converting under-used road networks into lively residential and public spaces. It seeks to create environments that are friendly to pedestrians, allowing more people to live in accessible areas while keeping costs manageable. This concept highlights the need for connectivity and community engagement in urban planning.

Urban Planning and Infrastructure

The design emphasizes a gradual approach to increasing housing density, particularly in central areas where existing infrastructure can support development. By improving public transport options and redesigning suburban areas, the plan intends to turn streets into mixed-use neighborhoods. This not only enhances accessibility to jobs and services but also helps integrate green spaces into the daily lives of residents.

Sustainability and Green Infrastructure

Incorporating green infrastructure is a key element of the plan, focusing on the need for environmentally friendly solutions. The design proposes better systems for managing stormwater, addressing the challenges posed by climate change. These features aim to improve air quality and promote overall health among residents, offering access to parks and natural areas within urban settings.

Adaptation of Historical Typologies

The design looks to historical precedents, such as mews that historically served as stable areas, for inspiration. It suggests building additional housing along existing streets, creating small private and community spaces that reflect the character of these neighborhoods. This approach connects the history of the city with modern living needs, fostering community connections.

Materiality and Aesthetic Considerations

While specific materials are not detailed within the design discussions, the vocabulary suggests an intention to create buildings that fit well within their surroundings. The focus is on developing structures that enhance their environments while serving practical functions. Efforts are made to ensure that new buildings respect London's architectural diversity, blending with the existing urban landscape.

The vision presents a redefined urban area that emphasizes pedestrian experiences, linking housing, public spaces, and sustainability into a cohesive community. The aim is to create a livable environment that meets the needs of residents while respecting the city’s historical context.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy