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 Louvers and Compact Form in Community Housing Integration

Author:
Alex Cook
Vertical Louvers and Compact Form in Community Housing Integration

Project in-detail

Asymmetrical forms and vertical louvers create a unique visual identity while fostering social interaction within compact, community-oriented housing in Berlin's historic center.
5 key facts about this project
01
Compact courtyards enhance community engagement.
02
Vertical louvers provide shading and privacy for residents.
03
Asymmetrical building forms integrate with historical context.
04
Allotments promote urban gardening and green spaces.
05
Flexible floor plans allow for adaptable living arrangements.

The project is located in the historic center of Berlin, addressing the need for housing in a densely populated urban area. It focuses on revitalizing previously neglected sites by creating a community-oriented living environment. The design concept combines elements from classical and modern architectures, promoting a blend of comfort and functionality while fostering social interactions among residents.

Conceptual Framework

The design centers around small communal areas that sit alongside larger suburban units. These spaces encourage neighborly connections, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. The inclusion of smaller housing units features gardening allotments, which allow residents to engage with nature, promoting a holistic living experience.

Design Development

The initial stages of the design use simple vertical walls to define the facades. Each unit is compact, providing an effective use of space while allowing for clear architectural expression. The floors are strategically offset, creating outdoor spaces that offer both privacy and shade. This practical approach aligns with modernist principles and emphasizes the functionality of each living space.

Community Engagement

Incorporating communal courtyards is key to enhancing social interactions among residents. These shared areas promote gatherings, fostering a sense of belonging in the neighborhood. The merging of mass-produced housing elements with individual suburban units addresses a range of social classes, contributing to an inclusive living environment.

Construction and Material Strategies

The construction strategy emphasizes flexibility through replaceable parts in the floor plans. Structural support is provided by steel beams, ensuring durability. Metal panels and vertical louvers further enhance the buildings' performance and appearance. These material choices reflect a sustainable approach that is in line with modern construction practices.

The design concludes with an asymmetrical visual character that enhances density while respecting the historical surroundings. It integrates well into Berlin's urban landscape, creating a relevant addition to the city's evolving architecture.

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