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Ecological Islands Promoting Flexible Living in Micro Spaces

Authors:
Peiling He, Chengnuo Song
Ecological Islands Promoting Flexible Living in Micro Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed as ecological islands, these micro homes utilize efficient modularity and flexible layouts to provide functional living spaces for families in quarantine.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed as ecological islands to enhance sustainable living.
02
Modular components allow for quick assembly by two people.
03
Flexible layouts adapt to daily routines, social gatherings, and leisure activities.
04
Designed specifically for quarantine situations in urban environments.
05
Emphasis on maximizing storage within compact living spaces.

The design focuses on addressing the urgent challenges brought about by the recent pandemic, particularly in Wuhan, a city that has faced significant restrictions due to social distancing. The concept revolves around micro homes that act as "ecological islands," providing safe and functional living environments for families in quarantine. The primary aim is to create practical and sustainable spaces that can be quickly deployed to meet immediate housing needs.

Design Efficiency

The micro homes are built using factory-produced components, which allows them to be assembled quickly. Typically, two people can complete the construction in about two weeks. This speed is essential during emergencies when rapid housing solutions are necessary. The use of prefabrication reflects a modern approach to construction, making it possible to provide housing in a practical manner.

Flexible Living Spaces

Each micro home features three main layouts: Daily Mode, Social Mode, and Sports and Leisure Mode. Daily Mode caters to the everyday needs of couples, maximizing storage through modular furniture. As restrictions ease, the Social Mode allows for gatherings, with a layout that can be reconfigured to accommodate more people. The Sports and Leisure Mode includes sufficient space for physical activities, promoting health and well-being during isolation.

Material Considerations

While the specific materials are not detailed in the presentation, the design implies the use of space-efficient and durable components. The emphasis on modularity suggests lightweight solutions that support both the speedy construction process and adaptability for different living arrangements.

The design responds thoughtfully to the needs of families facing isolation. It combines practicality, sustainability, and community interaction in a compact form. Features such as flexible layouts and efficient space utilization highlight a careful consideration of modern living realities, resulting in a design that prioritizes comfort and function.

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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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