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Curved Polycarbonate Roofs and Rooftop Living for Compact Communities

Authors:
Remin Peter, Nahila keepoyil Fathimathu, Marwa Jubairiya, Hanan Abdul gafoor
Curved Polycarbonate Roofs and Rooftop Living for Compact Communities

Project in-detail

With a curved polycarbonate roof that efficiently channels rainwater, this portable home embraces rooftop living and modular flexibility to create sustainable solutions for urban communities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a lightweight, foldable structure for easy transport and relocation.
02
Features a curved roof that effectively collects and filters rainwater for use.
03
Incorporates multifunctional furniture that is stored within the flooring system.
04
Enables community spaces by connecting multiple home modules.
05
Designed for placement on unconventional sites, such as rooftops.

The Cartable Home project responds to the growing challenges of urbanization and population density in India. In locations where land is scarce, the design focuses on providing portable homes that can easily adapt to different living environments. The concept centers on flexibility, community interaction, and sustainable living, presenting a practical option for those seeking a home in crowded urban areas.

Design Concept
The architecture emphasizes portability and adaptability. These homes can be placed in unconventional spaces such as rooftops, making the most of limited urban areas. The lightweight and foldable structure allows residents to relocate quickly and with little hassle. This design addresses the needs of urban populations who often find themselves in tight living conditions but desire a proper home.

Water Management
A notable feature is the curved roof, designed to collect rainwater. This design captures and channels water, which is filtered and stored in a tank beneath the floor. This water management system helps ensure that residents have access to necessary resources. By incorporating this function into the design, the project promotes a sustainable approach to living.

Community Integration
The Cartable Home encourages communal living. By connecting multiple units, it creates shared spaces that foster social interaction. Opening up the curved surfaces allows for better engagement among residents, supporting a sense of belonging in the community. This consideration is important, as urban living can sometimes feel isolating.

Multifunctional Interiors
The interior utilizes integrated furniture that fits into the flooring system. When the furniture is not in use, it can be stored away, optimizing space for everyday activities. The surfaces can blend with the floor, creating a simple, open environment. This approach emphasizes practicality while maintaining an uncluttered aesthetic.

The project also highlights the use of polycarbonate sheets and wood. Polycarbonate offers natural light while using less energy, and wood brings warmth and stability to the structures. Together, these materials enhance the living experience, supporting a comfortable and functional home environment.

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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

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