Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Eco-Friendly Hexagonal Housing With Insulated Panels and Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Author:
Nicolas Emilio Majluf Abdala
Eco-Friendly Hexagonal Housing With Insulated Panels and Rainwater Harvesting Systems

Project in-detail

Utilizing a hexagonal configuration and insulated panels, this sustainable housing solution incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to provide resilient living environments for communities in the Andean region.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a hexagonal shape to enhance spatial efficiency and community connectivity.
02
Incorporates insulated panels from Kingspan for superior thermal performance in harsh climates.
03
Features a passive solar Trombe wall to improve energy efficiency and comfort.
04
Includes a rainwater harvesting system to promote self-sufficiency in water use.
05
Elevated design minimizes flood risk while providing ventilation and natural light.

**Overview**

The Micro Putuco project is located in the high Andean region of Puno, Peru, where it aims to enhance living conditions by reinterpreting traditional architectural forms. The design draws inspiration from the Putucos, small pyramidal houses historically used by indigenous communities. While these structures provide essential warmth, they often suffer from spatial limitations and inadequate organization. The project modernizes this concept, focusing on sustainable and adaptable housing solutions that respect cultural heritage while addressing contemporary needs.

**Architectural Strategy and Spatial Organization**

The Micro Putucos feature a hexagonal shape, allowing for modular assembly that encourages social interaction and community formation. The design includes pitched roofs that effectively manage water runoff and snow accumulation. The two-level internal configuration maximizes space utilization, with essential living areas such as a kitchenette and workspace on the first floor and private sleeping quarters on the second floor.

**Material Selection and Environmental Considerations**

The project employs modern materials from Kingspan, renowned for their sustainability and energy efficiency. Key components include insulated wall and roof panels, tubular skylights, and a rainwater harvesting system. These materials have been selected for their thermal performance, ease of assembly, and minimal environmental impact, ensuring that the structures are well-suited to the harsh climatic conditions of the Andes. Elevated on metal columns, the design mitigates flood risks while providing versatility to adapt to varying terrains. Integrated energy solutions, such as solar panels and a Trombe wall for passive heating, further enhance the project's energy efficiency and sustainability.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy