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Triangular Modulus and Detached Facades Shaping Affordable Living in Urban Context

Author:
Yuxin Zhan
Triangular Modulus and Detached Facades Shaping Affordable Living in Urban Context

Project in-detail

The use of a triangular modulus and detachable facades creates adaptable living spaces that effectively integrate affordable housing with Melbourne's urban transit network.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique triangular modulus design optimizes irregular plot shapes.
02
Adaptable facades allow for reconfiguration as resident needs change.
03
Integration of public activity spaces fosters community engagement.
04
Focus on sustainability through efficient use of leftover urban space.
05
Co-living model caters to diverse urban demographics, encouraging connection.

"Encounter at the Station: Transit-Oriented Affordable Housing" is located in Melbourne, addressing key issues of urban growth. The design emphasizes a connection between affordable living and public transport, focusing on areas near tram stations that serve as important hubs in the city. This strategy promotes a compact urban layout, where residential, commercial, and public spaces work together to improve accessibility and the overall living experience for residents.

Modular Design

An important feature is the use of a triangular modulus, which adapts well to the irregular shapes of city plots. This design maximizes the use of leftover urban space, ensuring that even the smallest areas are useful. The triangular structure allows for various configurations, meeting the different needs of residents and providing flexibility as lifestyles change over time.

Spatial Strategies

The design employs both vertical and horizontal strategies. Vertical elements include public spaces and waiting areas that encourage community interaction while maintaining individual privacy. Horizontal strategies focus on utilizing leftover urban sites, allowing the layout to fit various contexts and serve multiple purposes within the development.

Community Engagement

The idea of co-living is central to the design. It targets diverse urban residents, especially younger individuals seeking shared living experiences. By balancing communal spaces with private areas, it aims to promote social connections and reduce feelings of isolation that can be common in dense cities. Cohesion among residents is a key goal, fostering a sense of community.

A detachable facade enhances adaptability in the design. This allows units to be adjusted as residents' needs evolve, providing flexibility without major renovations. The modular design not only streamlines construction but also supports sustainable building practices, making it a thoughtful solution to the challenges of urban housing.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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