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Cellulose Insulation and Wood Wool Panels Elevate Sustainable Urban Living Solutions

Author:
Piotr Syrocki
Cellulose Insulation and Wood Wool Panels Elevate Sustainable Urban Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Innovative use of cellulose insulation and wood wool panels creates a sustainable framework for modular living units designed to address urban housing needs in Sydney.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cellulose insulation for enhanced energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates wood wool panels for improved acoustics and durability.
03
Features modular design enabling easy expansion and adaptation.
04
Includes green terraces to promote biodiversity and outdoor living.
05
Employs a bent A-frame design to optimize spatial dynamics.

### Overview

The project "Unit" aims to address urban living challenges in Sydney, focusing on the need for multi-family housing in densely built areas typically dominated by single-family homes. The project introduces a modular and sustainable housing solution that optimizes land use while enhancing living quality. Each unit, measuring 9x4.5 meters, is designed to accommodate essential living functions—such as a kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedrooms—within a compact footprint, allowing for the possibility of stacking additional units on existing properties. This design addresses urban density concerns while ensuring residents benefit from access to natural light, space, and green areas.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The architectural concept prioritizes a flexible and efficient spatial configuration through the use of pre-fabricated modules, which streamline construction processes and minimize costs. Large, strategically positioned windows enhance ventilation and daylighting, creating a harmonious relationship with the outdoor environment. Additionally, green terraces on rooftops promote biodiversity and serve as communal spaces, enriching the overall resident experience. The layout accommodates the potential for modifications and expansions, catering to varying tenant needs and preferences.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materiality plays a significant role in the project’s ecological aspirations. The design incorporates materials such as plywood for structural elements, cellulose for thermal insulation, and wood wool panels for exterior cladding and acoustic performance. Plaster is utilized for aesthetic finishes, while extensive glazing maximizes light entry and views. The selected materials are not only sustainable and locally sourced but also contribute to a reduced ecological footprint. Furthermore, the project envisions the integration of renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels and wind turbines, to enhance energy efficiency and promote self-sufficiency.

This design incorporates advanced construction methodologies and digital technologies, enabling efficient project execution and management while focusing on livability in an evolving urban context.

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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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