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 Living Under a Bridge With Prefabricated Steel and Concrete Modules

Vertical Living Under a Bridge With Prefabricated Steel and Concrete Modules

Project in-detail

Utilizing prefabricated steel and concrete modules, this vertical living solution reclaims underbridge space in Macau to provide affordable housing that maximizes urban density and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes underbridge space to create new residential units, maximizing urban land use.
02
Employs modular construction methods for efficient assembly and reduced build time.
03
Features cantilevered living spaces that enhance views and space efficiency.
04
Incorporates sustainable materials like steel and precast concrete for durability.
05
Design promotes community interaction through shared communal areas within the structure.

## Project Overview

The Mirror Vertical City project, located in Macau, proposes an innovative approach to address the critical demand for affordable housing by utilizing space beneath an existing bridge. This conceptual design aims to redefine the relationship between existing urban infrastructure and residential living by creating a vertical model that maximizes limited land resources and integrates with the surrounding architectural and environmental context.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The materials selected for the Mirror Vertical City reflect a commitment to durability and sustainability. Structural components predominantly include metal for its strength, while concrete serves as the primary material for panels and flooring, chosen for its robustness and fire-resistant properties. Glass is incorporated into facades and interior partitions to facilitate natural light and ensure visual connectivity with the exterior. The use of precast concrete panels streamlines the construction process, enhancing efficiency and supporting modular design. This choice of materials not only supports sustainability initiatives but also optimizes construction timelines and costs, essential for affordable housing solutions.

## Spatial Design and Urban Integration

The project features a modular design characterized by stacked residential units, which optimize the use of vertical space while minimizing ground footprint. This vertical organization not only addresses housing demands but also provides residents with expansive views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing their quality of life. The structure's cantilevering elements introduce a dynamic form that maximizes under-bridge space, exemplifying contemporary architectural practices that harmonize form and function. Additionally, the strategic location fosters urban connectivity, granting residents easy access to transportation, commercial districts, and recreational spaces, thereby facilitating a greater sense of community and enhancing local engagement.

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