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Void Integration in Steel-Framed Cooperative Housing

Authors:
George Clarke, Harry Lewis, Saskia Furman, Oliver Bennison
Void Integration in Steel-Framed Cooperative Housing

Project in-detail

With voids that enhance connectivity and steel framing that supports adaptable stacked terrace units, the design provides a fresh approach to cooperative housing in a dense urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cooperative units incorporate a minimum of three living spaces for communal engagement.
02
Strategic voids facilitate natural light and encourage social interaction among residents.
03
Designed with flexible layouts to adapt to varying resident needs and lifestyles.
04
Steel framework supports multi-storey terrace units, enhancing structural efficiency.
05
Public amenities are integrated into the housing design to foster community connectivity.

The design is located in the London borough of Tower Hamlets and presents a new approach to urban living through a combination of different housing types. The focus is on creating spaces that bring people together and encourage interaction among residents. By including voids in the building structure, the design enhances connectivity and allows natural light to enter the living spaces, making them more inviting. The overall concept seeks to adapt traditional housing ideas to better fit the needs of today’s urban environment.

Co-operative Developers

The area at the base of the building features plots of lower-value land, which are designated for cooperative development. These plots can be developed by small groups, allowing for flexibility and creative solutions in housing. A minimum requirement is set for each cooperative to contain three units and accommodate seven or more people. This approach ensures that communal living is a priority. The structural design is guided by a steel grid, which supports an organized and efficient use of space throughout the development.

Entrepreneurs

Accommodations for Entrepreneurs are arranged to cater to their need for temporary living situations. These spaces are designed around shared work areas, reflecting their often mobile lifestyles. The arrangement encourages collaboration while making it easy for residents to shift between work and home environments. Such flexibility is important for individuals who do not have a fixed place of residence due to the nature of their work.

The Majority

The design also addresses the needs of the Majority, composed of partially employed workers and individuals facing economic challenges. Their living situation is enhanced by the introduction of stacked terrace units, a departure from the conventional tower block layout. These units are integrated into public spaces, promoting accessibility to community amenities. The design aims to create a strong sense of community among residents, allowing them to connect and share experiences in a welcoming environment.

Kinetic Elite

For the Kinetic Elite, the design includes company-developed homes intended to attract high-skilled professionals. These residences serve as incentives, encouraging people to integrate their work lives with their home lives. The concept prioritizes a clear distinction between work and personal space, aiding in maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

The voids running through the building serve a crucial role in the overall design. They facilitate natural light, creating bright and pleasant living areas. These open spaces are also designed to foster social gatherings, enriching the residential experience and encouraging community interaction.

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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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