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Vertical Gardens and Prefabricated Steel Uniting Flexible Micro-Units in an Urban Landscape

Authors:
George Kontaroudis, Michail-Karolos Keranis, Dimitrios Stivaros
Vertical Gardens and Prefabricated Steel Uniting Flexible Micro-Units in an Urban Landscape

Project in-detail

Fiberglass panels and prefabricated steel elements form a sustainable structure that adapts to urban density through flexible micro-units designed for diverse living arrangements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for seamless reconfiguration of living spaces to accommodate changing tenant needs.
02
Vertical gardens integrated into the façade enhance sustainability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Prefabricated steel structure reduces construction time and material waste.
04
Micro-unit layouts optimize space while providing essential amenities for urban living.
05
Customizable interior partitions enable multifunctional use of apartments.
The MOD 12.5 project is an architectural development located at 225 West 28th Street, New York City, designed to address the pressing need for flexible and affordable housing within an urban environment. This project exemplifies modern architectural principles while incorporating innovative solutions for living spaces in response to New York’s evolving demographic landscape. The design focuses on maximizing living area within a compact urban footprint, facilitating a variety of housing configurations tailored to accommodate diverse tenant needs.

Adaptive Design for Modern Living

At the core of the MOD 12.5 project is its adaptive design that emphasizes modular construction techniques. The units are designed to allow for flexibility; they can be easily reconfigured to create different apartment layouts ranging from studios to multi-bedroom homes. Each unit features removable partitions that support multifunctional use of space, echoing the principles of Japanese architecture. This versatility is essential in accommodating the diverse lifestyles of urban dwellers.

The architectural design employs a standard city block framework of 25' x 100', which optimizes the use of land while ensuring a cohesive integration with the surrounding urban fabric. The façade utilizes fiberglass insulated panels that not only provide aesthetic appeal but also enhance the building's thermal efficiency. The use of pre-fabricated steel and composite concrete elements supports rapid construction timelines, addressing the urgent demand for housing in the city.

Sustainable and Community-Oriented Features

In addition to its adaptable living configurations, the MOD 12.5 project prioritizes sustainability through the integration of green materials and systems. The building incorporates vertical heat pump systems and trellised façades designed for the growth of climbing plants. These features contribute to energy efficiency while also enhancing the aesthetic quality of the building.

Community spaces are a critical component of the design, with the ground level reserved for amenities that promote interaction among residents. Shared areas such as recreation rooms, libraries, and retail spaces foster community building and provide essential services within the residential context. This emphasis on communal living marks a significant departure from conventional isolated living arrangements typically found in urban environments.

Overall, the MOD 12.5 project presents a comprehensive approach to modern housing that balances individual flexibility with communal engagement. Interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas presented in the project's documentation to gain deeper insights into its structure and operational philosophy.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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