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Canopy-Integrated Housing Units Utilizing High-Tech Fabric and Thermally Modified Wood in Community Recovery Design

Authors:
Esra Ozcan, Atra Haddur, Seher Atalar, Ufuk Ozcan
Canopy-Integrated Housing Units Utilizing High-Tech Fabric and Thermally Modified Wood in Community Recovery Design

Project in-detail

High-tech fabric canopies and thermally modified wood merge to create modular housing units that serve as a communal recovery solution in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
5 key facts about this project
01
High-tech fabric canopies double as rainwater collectors and UV protection shields.
02
Thermally modified wood enhances durability while reducing environmental impact.
03
Modular design allows for flexible configurations tailored to specific site needs.
04
Communal spaces integrate food production and social interaction among residents.
05
Lightweight aluminum posts support structural integrity while remaining recyclable.

## Project Overview
Tetra Colony is located in Hatay, Turkey, designed specifically to address housing shortages following the February 6, 2023 earthquake. The initiative encompasses 80 housing units, integrated with communal spaces to enhance social cohesion among residents affected by the disaster. The project's primary goal is to provide not only shelter but also to restore and strengthen community ties through thoughtful spatial and social configurations.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Integration
The architectural approach employs a modular design strategy, allowing for housing units that can flexibly accommodate one to four individuals. Each unit consists of dual cubes—one for living and dining, and the other for sleeping—enabling various arrangements to suit diverse site layouts and preferences. The inclusion of communal amenities, such as a kitchen, garden, and shared orchard, fosters collaboration and social interaction among residents. This design promotes a sense of community, encouraging collective activities such as food production and social gatherings, essential for rebuilding trust and connection among individuals impacted by the disaster.

### Sustainable Material Choices
The material selection for Tetra Colony is crucial to its environmental objectives. High-tech fabric canopies serve multiple functions, including UV protection and rainwater collection. The walls are constructed with thermally modified wood, ensuring durability and efficient assembly. Photovoltaic panels are integrated into the design to provide renewable energy, while waterproof insulated panels enhance energy efficiency. Structural support is provided by lightweight, recyclable aluminum posts. Additionally, dedicated collection tanks manage rainwater and gray water, emphasizing the project’s commitment to water conservation and sustainable living practices.

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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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