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Circular Microhome With Solar Fabric And Vertical Wind Turbine For Sustainable Living

Authors:
Christel Farah, Samer Serhal
Circular Microhome With Solar Fabric And Vertical Wind Turbine For Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing solar fabric and a vertical wind turbine, this circular microhome embodies adaptability and sustainability while providing a versatile living space for modern inhabitants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes solar fabric for energy generation and sustainability.
02
Features a vertical wind turbine for enhanced self-sufficiency.
03
Incorporates modular furniture that adapts to various living scenarios.
04
Employs a dynamic skin using locally sourced materials.
05
Designed as a circular layout to maximize natural light and airflow.

## Project Overview

Located in a context that embraces the modern nomadic lifestyle, the design focuses on providing flexible living and working spaces that promote sustainability and simplicity. The circular microhome is conceived to adapt seamlessly between various modes, accommodating the diverse needs of its users—whether for work, leisure, or family life. The design encourages a close relationship with the natural environment, enhancing the daily experience of its inhabitants.

## Spatial Configuration

The architectural form of the microhome is circular, allowing for unobstructed views and a spacious interior. Its design supports various configurations:
- **Fully Open Terrace**: This feature facilitates outdoor activities and creates a direct connection to the surrounding landscape.
- **Half Closed/Open Double Work Mode**: This adaptable setting provides options for both indoor and outdoor working environments.
- **Fully Extended Interior**: This arrangement enables family activities and can evolve according to the occupants’ needs throughout the day and night.

The integration of modular furniture further enhances spatial efficiency, permitting the arrangement to shift easily between functions as required.

## Material Utilization and Sustainability

The project employs innovative materials and systems aimed at promoting sustainability:
- **Solar Fabric**: The exterior utilizes solar-absorbing fabric that contributes to energy generation, reinforcing its eco-friendly design.
- **Flexible Skin Options**: The exterior can incorporate local textiles, fostering a connection to the cultural context of its location.
- **Quad-Core Panels**: Constructed with high-performance thermal insulation materials, these panels ensure energy efficiency.

In addition to the external envelope, a steel frame contributes to the home’s structural integrity while allowing for portability. Recycled materials, including wood and cardboard, further emphasize the project's commitment to sustainability.

## Eco-Friendly Technologies

The microhome integrates several self-sustaining systems designed to promote resilience:
- **Vertical Wind Turbine**: This technology generates independent energy for the home.
- **Rainwater Harvesting System**: This system enhances self-sufficiency by efficiently collecting and utilizing rainwater.
- **Hydroponic Gardening**: The design includes space for indoor agriculture, supporting sustainable food practices.

The flexible arrangement allows for varied usage scenarios, such as outdoor gatherings or productive workspaces that adjust with the natural light. The project can evolve according to familial or geographical needs, maintaining relevance through adaptability and local material integration.

In addition to individual units, a vision of interconnected microhomes fosters community relationships while preserving privacy and versatility. Such a strategy proves beneficial in densely populated or resource-limited areas.

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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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