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Cylindrical Housing Units Constructed From Composite Boards for Sustainable Community Living

Authors:
Salvatore Lo Cascio, Emanuele Carlino
Cylindrical Housing Units Constructed From Composite Boards for Sustainable Community Living

Project in-detail

Constructed from sustainable composite boards, these modular cylindrical units provide adaptable housing solutions that facilitate community integration for vulnerable migrant populations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from crushed and reconstructed composite boards for enhanced sustainability.
02
Cylindrical modules promote efficient ventilation and natural cooling.
03
Integrated biological purification systems manage water resources effectively.
04
Community spaces encourage social interaction among residents.
05
Designed to easily configure into clusters for flexible living arrangements.
The Haven Horizon project is an architectural initiative located in Sicily, designed specifically to address the housing needs of migrants arriving on the island. This project emphasizes modular living, providing adaptable living units for individuals, families, and vulnerable populations, particularly focusing on unaccompanied minors and women. By integrating sustainable design principles, Haven Horizon aims to create a supportive and resource-efficient community.

Modular Design and Sustainability

One of the key features of Haven Horizon is its modular design. The housing units are constructed using crushed and reconstructed composite boards, which not only embody sustainability but also provide resilience against harsh environmental conditions. The cylindrical shape of the units promotes efficient space utilization and encourages communal living. This design fosters social interaction among residents, an essential aspect for integration into the local community.

The project employs a variety of innovative materials, including corrosion-resistant copper for external elements and transparent polycarbonate for partitions. These materials are chosen for their durability and functionality, serving to enhance the living conditions within the modular units. Additionally, an integrated water management system utilizing biological purification processes ensures efficient water usage and reduces the environmental footprint of the housing complex.

Community Engagement and Shared Spaces

Haven Horizon goes beyond providing individual living units; it emphasizes the importance of community engagement through shared spaces. By incorporating communal facilities such as cooking areas, bathrooms, and gathering spaces, the design encourages collaboration and cultural exchange among residents. This focus on communal living is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support within the migrant population.

The project also addresses practical aspects of living by integrating essential services like laundry facilities and outdoor gathering zones. These spaces are designed to accommodate diverse activities, further enhancing the community aspect of Haven Horizon. The careful arrangement of these facilities within the overall layout promotes accessibility and ensures that essential services are within close proximity to all residents.

In-depth Insight into Architectural Elements

To fully appreciate the Haven Horizon project, one can explore its architectural plans and sections. The planning process emphasizes efficient layout and the response to the Sicilian climate, with natural ventilation and cooling strategies embedded within the design. Moreover, the integration of solar panels ensures energy efficiency, highlighting the project’s commitment to sustainability.

The design approach of Haven Horizon presents a comprehensive understanding of the needs of migrant communities. It emphasizes the dual objectives of providing shelter and encouraging social interaction, setting a precedent for future architectural projects aimed at supporting vulnerable populations.

For those interested in delving deeper into the various aspects of Haven Horizon, including architectural designs and innovative ideas, further exploration of the project presentation is encouraged. This provides an opportunity to better understand the intricate details that define the project and its potential impact on the community.
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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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