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Transparent Steel and Natural Wood Habitat Beneath a Historic Bridge

Authors:
Zijie Wei, Yaxin Sun, Chenglu Xue
Transparent Steel and Natural Wood Habitat Beneath a Historic Bridge

Project in-detail

Nestled beneath the Historic Yangtze River Bridge, this residential development combines transparent steel structures with natural wood finishes to create a compact urban habitat that fosters community engagement and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Nestled under a historic bridge, optimizing an often-overlooked urban space.
02
Utilizes transparent steel for structural support and natural light enhancement.
03
Features sustainable materials, including cross-laminated timber panels and charred wood.
04
Incorporates flexible unit designs to accommodate diverse living preferences.
05
Promotes community interaction through strategically placed communal areas.
The "Cells Colony" project presents a contemporary architectural solution for urban living, utilizing the space beneath the Historic Yangtze River Bridge in Wuhan, China. This innovative endeavor seeks to transform an underutilized area into vibrant residential units while maintaining respect for the historical context of the bridge. By prioritizing sustainable design practices and establishing a sense of community, the project addresses pressing housing needs inherent in modern urban environments.

Urban Life and Connectivity
The design emphasizes a modular system where each unit operates as an independent "cell." This cellular approach allows residents to experience both privacy and community. The flexible layouts accommodate varying household sizes, making the units suitable for individuals, couples, and families. The strategic placement of living spaces under the bridge leverages existing transportation networks, enhancing accessibility while creating a unique urban habitat. The integration of communal areas within the design further promotes social interaction among residents.

Material Selection and Environmental Considerations
Materials play a crucial role in the project, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. Primarily, the use of glass facilitates natural light penetration, creating an open and airy feel within the confines of a compact structure. Steel is utilized for its structural integrity, supporting modern architectural forms, while concrete offers durability essential for urban dwellings. Interior spaces are enriched with wooden finishes, introducing warmth and character. Additionally, energy-efficient insulation materials enhance the overall thermal performance of the units, reducing energy consumption.

Innovation in Adaptability and Space Utilization
The "Cells Colony" distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to adaptability. The flexible design allows for the variation of unit sizes and configurations, responding to the diverse needs of potential residents. Each unit incorporates multifunctional features, optimizing limited space without compromising comfort. The project presents a thoughtful consideration of spatial dynamics, aiming to enhance the quality of life in dense urban settings. By reimagining underutilized urban environments and integrating sustainable practices, it sets a standard for future architectural designs.

For a deeper exploration of the "Cells Colony" project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to review the presentation materials. This analysis underscores the project’s significance within contemporary discourse on urban housing, illustrating how innovative architectural ideas can redefine living spaces.
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Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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