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Carbon-Ceramic Modules with Vibration Energy Harvesting in Compact Urban Housing

Author:
Andrew Mitchell
Carbon-Ceramic Modules with Vibration Energy Harvesting in Compact Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing carbon-ceramic materials and advanced vibration energy harvesting, this modular design redefines urban housing efficiency while promoting sustainability and adaptability for diverse living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Carbon-ceramic materials enhance durability and energy performance.
02
Vibration energy harvesting technology captures energy from environmental movements.
03
Hexagonal design optimizes natural light and ventilation across all units.
04
Modular configuration allows for easy stacking and reconfiguration of living spaces.
05
Smart energy storage systems manage generated energy for improved efficiency.

### Project Overview

Hexagon Homes features a modular, prefabricated design intended to provide efficient living solutions while prioritizing sustainability. The project employs advanced materials and technologies to create a hexagonal arrangement of living spaces that can be adapted to various settings, thereby enhancing both aesthetic merit and environmental functionality.

### Spatial Configuration and Adaptability

The unique hexagonal layout of the homes maximizes spatial efficiency and encourages a strong sense of community. Each unit is designed to be independent or to integrate with others, facilitating scalable urban development. This configuration allows for diverse internal layouts, enhancing natural light and ventilation across all units. The design also supports a system of interchangeable components, enabling homeowners to modify living spaces according to their needs over time.

### Material Innovation and Energy Efficiency

The project incorporates sustainable materials such as activated carbon and carbon-fused ceramics, which enhance structural durability and energy efficiency. Additionally, features like aluminum oxy nitride glass windows provide enhanced security and insulation, making them suitable for urban environments. The integration of renewable energy systems—including solar panels, vibration energy harvesting, and wind turbines—ensures that each dwelling can efficiently generate its own energy, progressively reducing reliance on external power sources. This approach promotes a circular building practice by focusing on recyclability while minimizing environmental impact.

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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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