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 with Interchangeable Wings and Communal Gardens

Author:
Lilly Barboza
Vertical Living with Interchangeable Wings and Communal Gardens

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical planters and modular living units, the design features interchangeable wings that enhance spatial adaptability, supporting a sustainable community of affordable housing in Melbourne.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical planters are integrated into the facade to enhance greening and biodiversity.
02
The design allows for the central stair and elevator core to be removed for smaller lot configurations.
03
Four base residential unit types pair with two interchangeable wings for versatile living arrangements.
04
Communal gardens promote social interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community.
05
Natural ventilation strategies are incorporated to enhance indoor air quality and comfort.

Tower Vista is located in Melbourne, Australia, and aims to meet the city’s rising demand for affordable housing. As Melbourne's population is expected to grow to over 8 million by 2050, there is an increasing need for sustainable living solutions. The design focuses on providing homeownership opportunities, particularly for the two-thirds of residents currently renting. Drawing inspiration from the relationship between plants and people, the project emphasizes the importance of sunlight and space for growth.

Design Concept

The concept behind Tower Vista highlights how both plants and people thrive in environments filled with light. This idea shapes the building's layout, which resembles a vertical garden system. The design encourages the use of vertical space while allowing for abundant natural light and greenery. By integrating these elements, the project connects urban living with sustainable practices.

Building Configuration

Tower Vista is designed to fit on small urban lots as compact as 14 by 20 meters. The careful arrangement of the building allows for a central stair and elevator core, which can be adjusted or even removed for smaller lots. This flexibility makes effective use of space. The building features three different floor plate configurations, designed for commercial, communal, and residential purposes, which enhances its adaptability to various needs.

Residential Matrix

At the heart of the design is the Residential Unit Matrix, comprising four main unit types that can be combined with two interchangeable wings. This modular approach results in eight distinct living layouts. This versatility accommodates different family sizes and living situations. The project offers a range of apartment types, including small one-bedroom studios suitable for students, two-bedroom units for small families, and three-bedroom options for larger households.

Community Integration

Tower Vista emphasizes community spaces, incorporating gardens that encourage interaction among residents. The design prioritizes natural ventilation and indirect light, promoting a healthy living environment. These features enhance the overall quality of life and help build a sense of community within the urban area.

The careful placement of windows in Tower Vista allows for panoramic views, adding an enriching detail to the residential experience.

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