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Biogas-Driven Community Living Within a Gigafactory Framework

Author:
Tatiana idalia Ioannidou martinez
Biogas-Driven Community Living Within a Gigafactory Framework

Project in-detail

Utilizing a gigafactory structure for waste processing, the design integrates biogas production with community living to create an accessible and sustainable housing solution in the heart of Sydney.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates energy production and waste treatment within a centrally located gigafactory structure.
02
Accommodates a diverse population through temporary housing tailored for non-permanent residents.
03
Utilizes local waste materials to enhance resource management and sustainability.
04
Incudes defined housing types to optimize living spaces for individuals, couples, and families.
05
Employs an efficient urban sewage collection system within a one-kilometer radius to support operations.

"Home is Where the Waste Is" is located in Sydney, integrating waste management with affordable housing. The design aims to create a relationship between residential units and waste treatment facilities, establishing a practical urban setting. The facility will collect waste from the surrounding area and transform it into energy, presenting waste management as an integral part of daily urban life.

Conceptual Integration
The project focuses on merging waste treatment operations with housing. This design allows the housing to provide essential services to the local community. A large, factory-like structure will process waste collected from a one-kilometer radius around the site. This central location in the city contrasts with traditional waste management facilities, which are often placed on the outskirts. Bringing waste management into the city highlights the importance of community involvement in sustainable practices.

Demographic Focus
The design targets a range of non-permanent residents, particularly those participating in programs like Interchange. By including temporary inhabitants, the project aims to encourage a community that shares responsibility for sustainability and resource management. This approach gives a unique character to the design, as it emphasizes the role of each resident in the functionality of the living space.

Sewage Waste Utilization
An important aspect of the plan is the efficient use of sewage waste. The design references established facilities such as the Chullora Resource Recovery Center and SUEZ for composting. The waste collection strategy targets domestic sewage within a defined area around Sydney’s residential and commercial zones. This approach boosts efficiency in resource use and reinforces the connection between residents and their surroundings.

Housing Configuration
The architectural layout consists of different housing types, with Type A meant for individuals or couples and Type B suitable for families. This arrangement makes the best use of space while accommodating various needs. The layout promotes a mix of private living areas and community spaces, encouraging collaboration among residents. The design also considers future growth, envisioning an expanding network that adapts to increased urban density while preserving effective waste management.

The end result combines integrated living spaces with operational waste treatment, fostering a sustainable urban environment. The design encourages residents to engage in sustainable practices while addressing practical housing needs within the city.

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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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