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Cork Insulation and Recycled Plexiglass Unite in Sustainable Housing Solution

Authors:
Dimitrina eneva Dimitrova, Yoanna Svetozarova Drangova
Cork Insulation and Recycled Plexiglass Unite in Sustainable Housing Solution

Project in-detail

Utilizing a modular framework of cork insulation and recycled Plexiglass, the design offers a sustainable and adaptable housing solution tailored for community resilience in disaster recovery.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units can be easily reconfigured to adapt to changing community needs.
02
Cork insulation enhances thermal efficiency while utilizing a renewable resource.
03
Recycled Plexiglass panels provide natural light without compromising durability.
04
Integrates communal facilities to foster social interaction and support recovery.
05
Designed for rapid assembly and disassembly to facilitate quick deployment in emergencies.

## Project Overview
Located in a context that demands immediate housing solutions amid crises, PIXEL is designed as a modular architectural response focused on functionality, sustainability, and community resilience. The project offers flexible accommodation through easily configurable modules, addressing diverse user needs while emphasizing adaptability and community engagement.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction
The layout consists of small, box-like structures organized in a grid pattern, promoting both residential and communal spaces. This configuration creates interstitial areas that facilitate interactions among residents, thereby fostering a communal atmosphere essential for rebuilding social connections. Each module can be tailored in size and purpose according to immediate needs, whether for families or shared facilities, allowing for adjustments based on the varying demands of its occupants.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations
PIXEL prioritizes sustainability through the use of eco-friendly materials. Key components include cork for insulation, recycled plexiglass for transparency and insulation, and sustainably sourced wood integrated into structural elements. Innovative straw panels contribute to insulation while utilizing agricultural by-products, and earth foundations adapt to different terrains. Additionally, features such as solar panels and green roofs enhance energy efficiency and biodiversity. The project's integrated systems for water reuse and energy generation, including rainwater harvesting and graywater recycling, reinforce its commitment to minimizing environmental impact.

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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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