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3D Printed Dwellings Using Moon Dust for Sustainable Living

Author:
Robert Grace
3D Printed Dwellings Using Moon Dust for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed using moon dust for 3D printing, these compact dwellings offer self-sufficient living solutions while addressing the challenges of sustainability and resource scarcity on the lunar surface.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using moon dust for 3D printing, ensuring resource efficiency in extraterrestrial environments.
02
Features integrated solar power systems to support off-grid living on the lunar surface.
03
Incorporates water harvesting systems designed for arid conditions with limited rainfall.
04
Compact layouts optimize space while maintaining essential living functions for inhabitants.
05
Structures are designed to blend with their surroundings, enhancing resilience to harsh environments.

The design focuses on creating compact and self-sufficient homes intended for both Earth and the moon. It responds to significant challenges such as the housing crisis and climate change. By developing a sustainable architectural solution, the project aims to provide a feasible living option that works well in limited environments. The central design concept emphasizes efficiency in space and resource use while ensuring that structures can withstand various environmental conditions.

Materials
An important aspect of the design is the commitment to using locally sourced materials. This approach encourages sustainability and helps to cut down on carbon emissions. A notable feature is the plan to use moon dust as a primary material for 3D printing habitats on the lunar surface. This innovative use of available resources provides a practical way to construct homes beyond Earth, catering specifically to the unique challenges of extraterrestrial life.

Energy and Water Systems
Renewable energy systems form a core part of the design. Each home is designed to collect and utilize solar power for electricity and heating. This feature allows residents to live off the grid. In addition, water harvesting systems are integrated into the design to guarantee an adequate supply of water, especially in regions where climate change may lead to reduced rainfall.

Environmental Adaptation
The project takes into account the need for environmental adaptability. The structures are designed to blend harmoniously with their surroundings, which enhances their resilience to harsh conditions. This approach ensures that the homes can function effectively whether on Earth or in space, while also supporting the overall vision of sustainability.

Overall, the compact layouts prioritize essential living needs without sacrificing comfort. The design reflects an understanding of practical challenges while paying attention to the relationship between the structures and their environments. This thoughtful integration of human needs with ecological considerations serves as a foundation for future developments in sustainable living.

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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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