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Ceramic-Clad Community Spaces Enhanced by Mineral Wool Insulation

Author:
Craig More
Ceramic-Clad Community Spaces Enhanced by Mineral Wool Insulation

Project in-detail

Ceramic tiles enclose communal spaces that prioritize flexibility and connectivity while thick mineral wool insulation enhances energy efficiency in a residential setting designed for urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Open volume layout allows for flexible reconfiguration.
02
Communal areas encourage interaction among residents.
03
Ceramic tile cladding provides durability and low maintenance.
04
Thick mineral wool insulation enhances energy efficiency.
05
Fire-resistant plywood contributes to sound insulation and safety.

The affordable urban social housing project offers a forward-thinking solution to the challenges of city living. Set in a bustling metropolitan area, the design focuses on creating spaces that are flexible and foster a sense of community among residents. The overall concept revolves around adaptable living environments that allow individuals and families to thrive within their homes, responding effectively to changing needs over time.

Layout and Flexibility

The design utilizes an open volume approach, intentionally leaving out unnecessary internal walls and fixtures. This layout enables residents to shape their spaces according to personal preferences. Furniture can serve as a way to create functional areas, providing privacy when needed while still allowing for openness. This flexibility accommodates various family dynamics and changing lifestyles, making it easier for individuals to modify their living conditions as they see fit.

Community-Centric Design

A key feature of the design is the inclusion of shared spaces at the entrance level. These communal areas are intended for multiple uses, helping to inspire interaction among residents. They can serve as spaces for relaxation, work, or even small shops. The design recognizes the importance of fostering connections among individuals, turning living environments into places where community bonds can be built and strengthened.

Material Considerations

In terms of materials, the project focuses on energy efficiency and sustainability. The external cladding is made up of large-format ceramic tiles that are lightweight and low-maintenance. This choice not only contributes to durability but also allows for aesthetic flexibility. The building’s envelope features thick, non-flammable mineral wool insulation along with an airtight EPDM membrane, ensuring that energy costs remain low while maintaining comfort throughout the year. The choice of fire-resistant, low embedded carbon plywood for the interiors enhances both safety and sound insulation, essential in busy urban settings.

Every detail in the design is aimed at ensuring that residents feel comfortable and at home. High levels of thermal insulation and careful attention to acoustic performance reflect a commitment to quality living conditions. The overall design embodies a thoughtful approach to housing, emphasizing usability, comfort, and community integration that caters to the diverse needs of city inhabitants.

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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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