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Circular Micro-Housing Constructed with Quaducon Panels and Natural Wood Elements for Community Living

Authors:
Natalia Camila Ramirez Arango, Claudia Tatiana Rojas Molina, Laura Juliette Carvajal Guacaneme
Circular Micro-Housing Constructed with Quaducon Panels and Natural Wood Elements for Community Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with Quaducon panels and local materials, the circular micro-housing design facilitates communal living for the Kamentza community in the Sibundoy Valley.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed in a circular layout to enhance community interaction and equality among residents.
02
Utilizes Quaducon panels for thermal efficiency and durability in varying climates.
03
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system to promote self-sufficiency and sustainability.
04
Features flexible micro-housing units that allow for various personal and communal functions.
05
Emphasizes local craftsmanship through the use of natural wood materials sourced from the region.

### Project Overview

Located in the Sibundoy Valley of Colombia, the "Thought House" design addresses the housing needs of the indigenous Kamentza community while integrating cultural heritage and biodiversity. The intent is to create a living environment that promotes communal living, introspection, and connectivity with nature, aligning social and environmental sustainability within its architectural framework.

### Spatial Organization and Community Interaction

The design features a circular layout of micro-homes, encapsulating the values of unity and equality. Each housing unit is oriented toward a central communal area, which acts as the focal point for gatherings, cultural exchanges, and community activities. This organization promotes cohesiveness among residents, mitigating the hierarchies typically associated with linear housing designs. The flexible spatial configurations of the units accommodate various needs, including:

- **Cooking and Dining Areas**: Shared spaces that promote communal meal preparation and consumption.
- **Sleeping Quarters**: Designed for individual families, these spaces are adaptable to various uses.
- **Workspaces**: Multifunctional areas that support local artisans and professionals.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The choice of materials in the "Thought House" emphasizes local craftsmanship and environmental responsiveness. Notable materials include:

- **Quaducon™ Insulated Roof Panels**: Enhancing thermal performance and weather durability.
- **Acoustic Ceiling Tiles**: Improving sound insulation within shared spaces.
- **Natural Wood Structures**: Sustainably sourced wood that reflects local building traditions.
- **Insulated Wall Panels**: Promoting energy efficiency and comfort.
- **Eco-Friendly Finishes (Plywood)**: Locally sourced and non-toxic, contributing to a healthier living environment.
- **Rainwater Harvesting System**: An innovative approach to water conservation that underscores ecological stewardship.

These materials not only fulfill functional requirements but also resonate with the cultural heritage of the Kamentza community, providing both aesthetic coherence and symbolic significance within the living spaces.

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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
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