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Container Architecture Featuring Recycled Aluminum and Integrated Green Space for Compact Living

Author:
Syeda Nusrat Jahan Nouri
Container Architecture Featuring Recycled Aluminum and Integrated Green Space for Compact Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing container blocks and recycled aluminum, this compact living environment incorporates micro-farming and adaptable spaces, redefining sustainable urban dwelling for modern lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled cargo containers as the primary structural element.
02
Incorporates micro-farming features for food production and sustainability.
03
Employs sliding partitions for flexible spatial organization and adaptability.
04
Integrates green roofs to enhance insulation and biodiversity.
05
Utilizes energy-efficient materials, including GFRC and reclaimed aluminum.

## Overview
The Micro Home project is situated within an urban context that reflects a shift towards compact living solutions. Its design addresses the multifaceted needs of contemporary residents, particularly young couples, by integrating functionality and minimalism within a limited spatial footprint of approximately 280 square feet. The intent is to create a living space that accommodates both personal privacy and communal interaction, while simultaneously supporting a balanced lifestyle.

## Spatial Configuration and Functionality
The spatial layout is composed of three distinct zones: a Service Zone, Private Zone, and Green Zone. The Service Zone, covering 85.29 square feet, includes essential amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen and laundry area, seamlessly integrated with a terrace that extends the living space outdoors. The Private Zone, at 104.15 square feet, features a flexible sleeping area designed for maximum light and airflow, incorporating customizable furniture that adapts to various user needs. The Green Zone, dedicated to micro-farming at 26.83 square feet, allows residents to engage with nature while promoting sustainable living practices.

This zoning strategy promotes an integrated separation of functions while facilitating fluid transitions between spaces. For example, the sleeping area can expand into the central living zone through a sliding partition, enhancing social interaction. The terrace, enclosed by sliding glass doors, serves as both a private retreat and communal area, ensuring accessibility to outdoor environments.

## Materiality and Sustainability
The design prioritizes environmental responsibility by incorporating sustainable materials throughout the construction. Notable elements include a Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) roof that provides structural integrity while minimizing weight, and a framework crafted from recycled aluminum and glass, which enhances durability and energy efficiency. The use of recycled cargo containers as primary building materials reinforces the project’s commitment to reducing construction waste.

Insulation plays a critical role in maintaining thermal comfort, while integrated vegetation elements promote biodiversity and improve air quality. The material selection not only addresses aesthetic considerations but also significantly reduces the project's carbon footprint, reflecting a holistic approach to eco-sensitive design.

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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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