Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Vertical Communities with Integrated Green Spaces and Flexible Living Modules

Authors:
Stefano Grisoglio, Mario Daudo, Cristina Zilio
Vertical Communities with Integrated Green Spaces and Flexible Living Modules

Project in-detail

Vertical gardens and flexible living modules define a new urban concept that integrates residential and public spaces to foster community engagement within London's skyline.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible living modules allow for custom adaptations based on individual resident needs.
02
Thirty-two thousand square meters of public space promote community interaction and engagement.
03
Vertical gardens enhance biodiversity and improve air quality in the urban environment.
04
Large vertical shafts facilitate essential mechanical services, optimizing building functionality.
05
The design integrates diverse communal areas for social activities and recreational use.

Living the Core focuses on creating a new type of living environment in London. The goal is to bring together residential and commercial spaces into vertical villages. This design aims to change how people experience city life by turning ordinary office spaces into vibrant places for living and working. The project responds to the issues of loneliness and empty buildings in the city, presenting a unified approach to urban architecture that encourages community interactions.

Concept and Functionality

The core idea revolves around a system of flexible modules that can be customized for different needs. Residents can modify their living spaces according to their lifestyles. This adaptability supports a mix of activities, combining homes with areas for work, art, and socializing. By allowing for various uses, the design promotes a new way of living in the city, responding to the changing demands of urban life.

Public and Private Space

A significant portion of the design dedicates around 32,060 square meters to public areas, making up about 8% of the total space. This focus on shared spaces encourages connections among residents. The plan includes green areas, recreational facilities, and cultural venues, all of which aim to improve daily life. The design’s emphasis on community resources is essential for building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging in the urban environment.

Community-Centric Design

The project takes into account the different lifestyles of potential residents, featuring profiles ranging from students to families. Understanding these varied needs helps create practical living solutions that are both manageable and welcoming. The design ensures that each space can host social events while also providing quiet corners for relaxation. This careful balance enhances the overall quality of living for everyone involved.

Sustainability and Adaptation

While specific materials are not mentioned in the details, the design embraces sustainability. Large vertical shafts are an important feature, as they facilitate necessary mechanical systems and demonstrate an effort to create flexible spaces. This feature highlights the intention to address future urban challenges.

The integration of vertical gardens enhances the visual appeal while improving air quality. These green elements provide a connection to nature within city life, contributing positively to the environment and the well-being of residents. The design seeks to make urban living healthier and more enjoyable for all.

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