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Vertical Living Solution Integrating Tram Network With Prefabricated Modular Units

Authors:
Li kuang Pung, Yue Mao, Jie lyn Koh
Vertical Living Solution Integrating Tram Network With Prefabricated Modular Units

Project in-detail

Combining prefabricated modular units with direct tram network access, this vertical living solution addresses urban housing needs in Melbourne through an adaptable design that enhances community connectivity and pedestrian accessibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units facilitate rapid construction to meet increasing housing demand.
02
Integration with the tram network enhances public transportation accessibility for residents.
03
Shared facilities support communal living, fostering social interaction among inhabitants.
04
Green pathways connect residential spaces, promoting pedestrian movement and environmental wellness.
05
The design emphasizes privacy through strategic spatial arrangements.

The Bridge, located in the heart of Melbourne City, is designed to tackle key urban issues, including affordable housing and traffic congestion. The concept revolves around vertical living, merging residential units with the existing tram network. This integration helps to mitigate rising housing costs while enhancing access to public transportation, enabling residents to move efficiently within the city without significant travel expenses.

Design Layout

The layout of The Bridge focuses on flexibility and diversity, providing various housing options for different people. Residential units include shared facilities like kitchens and bathrooms alongside private bedrooms. This setup encourages adaptability and allows for modifications to fit changing needs over time. By offering studio units and single units with balconies, the design addresses the requirements of diverse family configurations while making optimal use of limited space.

Pedestrian Accessibility

A notable aspect of The Bridge is its careful consideration of pedestrian movement within a typically congested urban area. The design offers a reimagined approach to traffic patterns, minimizing the need for pedestrian crossings. This enhances safety for those navigating the space. Green landscapes and walking paths are integrated to create an inviting environment. Gentle inclines lead pedestrians to elevated platforms, making it easier to traverse the area while promoting interaction with the public spaces.

Privacy and Community

Privacy is a primary concern in the design, particularly for residents on the ground floor. Residential units are designed to be slender and compact, arranged centrally to complement the surrounding cityscape. This strategic organization maintains separation between living spaces and pedestrian routes, addressing privacy needs while encouraging community connection. The careful arrangement of the building fosters a welcoming atmosphere that supports social interactions among residents.

Architectural Efficiency

While specific materials used in construction are not mentioned in the presentation, the focus on prefabricated modular units indicates a practical approach to building. This allows for quicker production and is in line with the growing demand for housing in Melbourne. By emphasizing efficient manufacturing, The Bridge emerges as a viable solution that balances the logistical challenges of construction with a thoughtful design.

The design features a blend of spaces that reflect a modern urban lifestyle, prioritizing sustainability and community connections. The Bridge serves as an example of how housing solutions can adapt to the complexities of city living while meeting the needs of its inhabitants.

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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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