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Vertical Gardens and Custom Balconies Enhance Prefabricated Modular Housing Design

Authors:
Fabio Kahn, Rafael Kern, Michel Schoor
Vertical Gardens and Custom Balconies Enhance Prefabricated Modular Housing Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical gardens and customizable balconies, the design transforms prefabricated modular units into flexible urban residences that adapt to the needs of modern city living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for dynamic reconfiguration, adapting to changing resident needs over time.
02
The integration of vertical gardens enhances biodiversity while improving air quality in urban settings.
03
Customizable balconies serve as private outdoor spaces, promoting personal expression and connection to nature.
04
Cement boards are used for exterior walls, offering durability and excellent thermal insulation properties.
05
Solar panels are incorporated to achieve energy self-sufficiency, reducing the carbon footprint of urban living.
The project known as the Drawer Cabinet emerges as an innovative solution within the context of urban living in Paris. This architectural design combines functionality, adaptability, and sustainability, addressing the pressing challenges of housing shortages and the increasing demand for livable spaces in metropolitan environments. The Drawer Cabinet embodies a modular concept that allows residents to customize their living spaces according to their individual needs, making it a versatile addition to the urban landscape.

At its core, the project represents a response to the changing dynamics of urban life, particularly in cities like Paris where land is limited, and housing costs continue to rise. The design facilitates an efficient use of space through prefabricated modules that can be arranged in a variety of configurations, ranging from compact living areas suitable for singles to more expansive units designed for families. This flexibility empowers residents, allowing them to adapt their homes over time, reflecting their evolving lifestyles.

The architectural design employs a thoughtful selection of materials to enhance functionality and sustainability. The use of cement boards for exterior walls provides not only resilience but also thermal and acoustic insulation, contributing to energy efficiency. Steel frames offer structural integrity while accommodating an open-plan layout, promoting free movement and a sense of spaciousness within the modular units. Moreover, thermal insulation materials further enhance the energy performance of the structure.

Another noteworthy aspect of the Drawer Cabinet project is its integration of green spaces, most notably through vertical gardens and customizable balconies. These features not only enhance the aesthetic value of the building but also contribute significantly to the well-being of the residents by creating opportunities for interaction with nature. The inclusion of solar panels underlines the project's commitment to sustainability, enabling a degree of energy self-sufficiency while reducing the overall carbon footprint associated with urban living.

Unique design approaches manifest in the project’s focus on modularity and reconfigurability. Each living unit acts as a “drawer” that can be added, removed, or modified, creating a dynamic residential structure that can evolve alongside the occupants. This adaptability is particularly relevant in densely populated urban environments where traditional housing solutions may fall short. The relationship of the Drawer Cabinet with its surroundings is also carefully considered, as it aligns with the historical context of Parisian architecture while introducing contemporary ideas about communal living and resource-sharing through its design of communal spaces.

Incorporating features that foster community engagement, such as shared terraces and social areas, encourages a sense of belonging among residents. This communal aspect is vital in urban settings where individual isolation often prevails. The project prompts a reimagining of how living spaces can be designed to promote social interactions, thereby contributing to a healthier urban lifestyle.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and overall design of the project, readers are encouraged to explore the presentation of the Drawer Cabinet. This exploration will provide a comprehensive understanding of the architectural ideas and design principles that underpin this innovative residential solution, showcasing how it addresses contemporary urban challenges.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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