Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Aerated Concrete Structure with Solar Cladding for Accessible Living

Author:
Kee jiunn Song
Aerated Concrete Structure with Solar Cladding for Accessible Living

Project in-detail

With a Vertical Platform Lift enhancing accessibility and Aerated Concrete providing durability, the design prioritizes sustainable living through integrated solar cladding and self-sufficient gardening spaces for a couple adapting to their new home.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical Platform Lift enables easy access to all levels of the home.
02
Integrated rainwater collection system supports sustainable water management.
03
Planter boxes promote self-sufficiency in food production.
04
Solar PV cladding enhances energy efficiency and renewable energy use.
05
Aerated Concrete panels provide durability and effective thermal insulation.

The design is located in a rural area between Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, and Sihanoukville, a key industrial city. It is intended for a newly-wedded couple who are handicapped, having lost their legs due to landmine incidents. The concept focuses on creating a home that meets their specific needs while emphasizing functionality, accessibility, and sustainability.

Modularity and Adaptability
The approach is based on modular design, drawing inspiration from container architecture. This allows for both horizontal and vertical growth, making it possible for the living space to expand as the family grows. Each module is designed to provide essential living areas while remaining flexible enough for future adjustments, reflecting the occupants' changing needs.

Accessibility Features
Access is a critical aspect of the design, with elements in place to accommodate the couple's requirements. A Vertical Platform Lift (VPL) is included to enable easy movement between different levels of the home, including access to the roof terrace. This feature helps ensure that all spaces are reachable, allowing the occupants to navigate their home independently.

Sustainable Practices
Incorporating sustainability is vital, especially in the context of Cambodia’s environment. Planter boxes are featured to support the growth of vegetables, herbs, and spices, encouraging self-reliance in food production. A rainwater collection tank is incorporated into the system to help conserve water, addressing local climate challenges. Also, solar PV cladding on the East and West facades enriches energy management, using sunlight to power the home.

Material Selection
Material choices focus on durability and energy efficiency. The project employs Aerated Lightweight Concrete (ALC) panels, which are key to the structure's stability and thermal properties. This material aligns with the goals of creating a sustainable and long-lasting living environment.

Large windows allow natural light to fill the interior, creating a welcoming atmosphere while offering views of the landscape. The design encourages an enhanced connection with the surrounding environment, emphasizing harmony with nature.

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