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Cardboard and Plywood Modular Units for Affordable Urban Living

Author:
Ahmed M. aglan
Cardboard and Plywood Modular Units for Affordable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Constructed from durable cardboard and plywood, the modular units offer flexible and sustainable living solutions tailored for young residents in Sydney's high-cost suburbs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from recyclable cardboard for enhanced sustainability.
02
Modular units allow for flexible spatial arrangements tailored to residents' needs.
03
Incorporates solar panels to promote energy independence and efficiency.
04
Located in key Sydney suburbs with high demand for affordable housing.
05
Design prioritizes customization, enabling personal expression within living spaces.

The Paper Frame project tackles the housing issues faced by young people in urban Australia, particularly in the expensive suburbs of Sydney such as Crows Nest, Redfern, and Marrickville. The design focuses on modular housing that allows for customization. It aims to provide young professionals and students with affordable and adaptable living spaces. This effort responds to the increasing demand for independent accommodations in a city with rising living costs.

Modular Design

The project features modular units that can be arranged in different ways. This flexibility enables residents to adapt their living spaces according to their specific needs. Each module serves several purposes, including areas for living, dining, study, and sleeping. By making the most of limited space, this design fosters a practical solution for urban living.

Sustainability Elements

A significant aspect of the Paper Frame is its emphasis on sustainability. The design incorporates solar panels on the roofs of the housing units. These panels are not just for show; they promote energy efficiency and reduce reliance on traditional power sources. This commitment to renewable energy aligns with current environmental goals, making the project more responsible and forward-thinking.

Materiality

The project uses cardboard and plywood as primary materials. Cardboard is notable for its strength and fire resistance when used in solid form. It provides a lightweight and robust option for modular construction. The ability to recycle cardboard enhances the project’s sustainability efforts. Plywood adds extra strength and flexibility to the structure, ensuring each unit can withstand daily use and environmental conditions. Concrete foundations and steel plates give the modular units a stable base, ensuring long-lasting performance.

Design Detail

The arrangement of these modular units allows for various design options, giving residents the chance to shape their home environments. This flexibility, along with a focus on sustainability, highlights how living spaces can be both personal and functional. The design blends practicality and individuality, meeting the needs of those who live in urban settings while reflecting their lifestyle choices.

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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

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