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Charred Wood and Recycled Plastic Create Sustainable Housing Solutions in Tegucigalpa

Authors:
Andrea Carolina Castaneda, David Yi
Charred Wood and Recycled Plastic Create Sustainable Housing Solutions in Tegucigalpa

Project in-detail

Constructed from charred wood and recycled plastic, the housing units in Tegucigalpa address local environmental challenges while providing sustainable living solutions for families in need.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using charred wood for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates recycled plastic blocks for insulation, promoting sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation.
04
Modular layout allows for future expansions based on family needs.
05
Integrates rainwater harvesting systems for self-sufficiency in water usage.

### Overview
FRAMEHOME is located in La Villanueva, an underdeveloped neighborhood in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, designed to address urgent housing needs within this community. The project aims to provide sustainable, affordable, and adaptable living spaces tailored to the local context, significantly enhancing the resilience of residents facing precarious living conditions.

### Spatial Strategy
The design comprises a cluster of modular units strategically arranged to accommodate the uneven terrain characteristic of La Villanueva. Utilizing a modular frame system, the homes can be configured to suit varying plot sizes and topographical challenges. This arrangement not only promotes privacy for individual residents but also encourages communal interaction. The spatial planning affords flexibility, allowing residents to modify their living spaces as their needs evolve, which is essential in a dynamic urban environment.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project prioritizes the use of locally sourced and recycled materials, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability. Key materials include timber columns from local forests that provide structural integrity, and 8-inch by 16-inch blocks made from recycled LDPE plastic, which serve as effective insulation for the walls. External finishes employ Sugi Ban wood, treated for durability through a traditional Japanese technique. The design incorporates clerestory windows made from recycled glass to enhance natural light and ventilation, while a metal roofing system is designed to facilitate rainwater collection, essential for sustainable water access in the community. Additionally, solar panels are integrated to harness renewable energy, contributing to the self-sufficiency of the homes.

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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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