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Cork-Insulated Homes Featuring Recycled Metal Facades for Flexible Urban Living

Authors:
Natalia Korzeniowska, Olga Mikołajczyk, Daria Kaczmarczyk, Agata Subda
Cork-Insulated Homes Featuring Recycled Metal Facades for Flexible Urban Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with cork insulation and recycled metal facades, the design offers modular flexibility that adapts to varying family needs within an urban residential context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cork insulation for enhanced thermal performance and sustainability.
02
Incorporates recycled metal sheeting to reduce environmental impact.
03
Features modular construction for adaptable living spaces based on family needs.
04
Integrates community gardens to promote social interaction among residents.
05
Optimizes natural ventilation through strategic layout and design elements.
The architectural design project titled "The Growing House" is an innovative approach to modern living, focusing on modularity and sustainability. It addresses the increasing demand for flexible housing solutions in urban environments, accommodating varying family sizes and lifestyles. By utilizing a combination of eco-friendly materials and adaptable design elements, this project exemplifies a commitment to enhancing residential functionality while being mindful of environmental impact.

Modularity and Flexibility
The central theme of "The Growing House" is its modular design, which allows for easy expansion or reduction of living spaces. This adaptability caters to the evolving nature of urban households, where family sizes and needs may change over time. The residences are constructed from prefabricated components that can be assembled in different configurations. This design approach not only supports efficient construction practices but also reduces waste and minimizes the carbon footprint associated with traditional building methods.

Sustainability is prioritized through the selection of materials. The project employs cork for insulation, sustainable wood for primary structural components, and recycled metal sheeting for durability, all contributing to an eco-conscious design. The integration of photovoltaic glass enhances energy efficiency by facilitating solar energy collection, further supporting the project's sustainability goals.

Community and Social Interaction
Another key aspect of "The Growing House" is its focus on fostering community interactions. The design incorporates communal spaces and accessible pathways that encourage social engagement among residents. By strategically placing green areas and community gardens, the project creates a sense of belonging and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle. This feature differentiates "The Growing House" from conventional housing developments, which often prioritize individual units over community connection.

The layout carefully considers site orientation and environmental factors, optimizing natural light and ventilation. By integrating indoor and outdoor living areas, residents achieve a seamless transition between their homes and the surrounding environment.

The Growing House offers a thoughtful architectural response to contemporary housing challenges, blending flexibility with sustainability. For more technical details, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, exploring the full project presentation can provide deeper insights into its innovative ideas and execution. Encourage further engagement to fully appreciate the intricacies and potential of this residential design.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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