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Copper Roofed Pods with Plywood Interiors for Sustainable Cliffside Living

Authors:
Yonatan Buchhandler, Valerio Nelli
Copper Roofed Pods with Plywood Interiors for Sustainable Cliffside Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing a copper roofing system and plywood interiors, these self-sufficient pods are designed to integrate into the cliffside landscape while providing sustainable living solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a copper roofing system for durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates plywood interiors engineered for lightweight strength and aesthetics.
03
Features an easy-to-assemble vertical structural framework for efficient construction.
04
Employs cross ventilation techniques to enhance indoor air quality and comfort.
05
Integrates solar heating and water harvesting systems for self-sufficiency.

"Sleeping Pods on a Cliff" is an architectural design aimed at creating small, self-sufficient dwellings that integrate with their natural environment. Set against a distinctive landscape, the pods are intended to provide comfortable shelter while reflecting a commitment to sustainability. The project emphasizes energy efficiency and low environmental impact through thoughtful design principles and construction methods.

Concept and Sustainability

The design focuses on promoting sustainable living through clear construction techniques that facilitate easy assembly. Achieving net zero operational and embodied carbon is a primary goal. The project also considers land use and biodiversity, creating spaces that contribute to health and well-being while respecting the landscape.

Design Elements

The design effectively balances natural light and thermal comfort. The layout allows for good airflow and includes shading systems to avoid overheating. Openings are strategically placed to maximize daylight without increasing energy use. Additionally, systems for water collection, solar energy, and heating are integrated, enhancing the self-sufficiency of each unit.

Structural Assembly

A straightforward assembly process forms the basis of this design, starting with a simple vertical structure. This framework ensures stability and ease of construction. It supports components such as the roof, bathroom, glazing, and sleeping alcove, allowing for efficient use of materials and space while maintaining architectural integrity.

Material Integration

Careful material selection is vital to the overall project. Locally sourced materials not only contribute to sustainability but also connect the pods to their surroundings. The use of a wooden vertical structure, plywood panels, and copper roofing creates a durable yet visually appealing environment. The aluminum glazing system ensures proper insulation while providing ample light.

The Sleeping Pods provide a thoughtful approach to living in harmony with the environment. Their design encourages an easy connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, reflecting principles of sustainability and efficient living through their functional arrangements and material choices.

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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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