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Circular Form Utilizing Polycarbonate Panels and Timber Solutions for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Khaled Abou Taam, Rasha Reslan, Imad Ammatoury
Circular Form Utilizing Polycarbonate Panels and Timber Solutions for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with polycarbonate panels and timber frameworks, this circular dwelling emphasizes sustainability through its innovative energy systems while fostering communal living in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using polycarbonate sheets for enhanced light diffusion and insulation.
02
Incorporates an innovative rainwater filtration and collection system for sustainable water management.
03
Utilizes a circular footprint to maximize space efficiency while promoting community interaction.
04
Features solar panels integrated into the roof design to provide renewable energy.
05
Emphasizes natural ventilation through strategically placed openings throughout the structure.

**Project Overview**
Located in Vancouver, Canada, "Glowing Gaia" explores the intersection of sustainability, technology, and human-centered design through an innovative architectural approach. Inspired by themes of ecological responsibility and reflections on humanity’s future, the design reflects on our relationship with the Earth in an era marked by environmental challenges. This project embodies a commitment to sustainable living in an increasingly urbanized context.

**Spatial Strategy**
The architectural form presents a circular, egg-like structure that conveys themes of fragility and resilience. The interior layout prioritizes usability and openness, featuring a 9.28 m² ground floor that accommodates a multifunctional living space, cooking area, and bathroom, while the 14.1 m² first floor serves as a sleeping area and workspace. Large glass panels enhance transparency and natural light, promoting a strong connection with the surrounding environment and fostering a sense of unity with nature.

**Material Innovation**
"Glowing Gaia" emphasizes sustainable practices through its material selection, incorporating Kingspan Light + Air polycarbonate sheets for insulation and light transmission, alongside timber-frame elements from Kingspan Timber Solutions that ensure structural integrity. The integration of solar monocrystalline panels on the roof, supported by lithium batteries and water filtration systems, underscores the project’s commitment to renewable energy and efficient resource management. These design elements collectively contribute to a low-impact living model, aligning with contemporary urban needs.

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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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