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Efficient Living With EPS Sandwich Panels and Integrated Rainwater Systems

Authors:
Keren happuch Vitto, Psalm Vitto, Ezrael Vitto
Efficient Living With EPS Sandwich Panels and Integrated Rainwater Systems

Project in-detail

Constructed with EPS sandwich panels and designed to capture rainwater for efficient utility management, this compact micro house offers a sustainable living solution for urban dwellers facing housing challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely with EPS sandwich panels for enhanced durability.
02
Features a built-in rainwater collection system for efficient water management.
03
Includes an adaptable loft space that maximizes vertical living area.
04
Incorporates jalousie glass windows to improve ventilation and natural light.
05
Designed with an integrated porch and wall planting system for outdoor connection.

The Micro House project addresses the increasing need for affordable housing, focusing on compact living solutions that enhance the quality of life. Set in an urban environment, the design prioritizes efficiency and accessibility for low-income groups. The overall approach combines thoughtful architecture with practicality, showing how well-planned spaces can meet essential living needs.

Spatial Efficiency

The Micro House has a footprint of 24.40 square meters, organized to make the most of every inch. It includes a living area of 7.13 square meters, a kitchen measuring 4.87 square meters, an 8.20 square meter bedroom, and a bathroom with integrated laundry of 4.20 square meters. This open-plan layout supports flexible living, allowing residents to adapt the space to their day-to-day activities. It balances comfort and functionality.

Light and Ventilation

Natural light and fresh air are important features of this design. Jalousie glass windows and sliding doors are strategically placed to encourage airflow and brighten the interior. These elements work together to create a pleasant atmosphere, reducing any feelings of confinement that small homes might have. The design also includes a porch that extends the living area, with a wall planting system that connects the indoors with nature.

Material Selection

The walls of the Micro House use EPS sandwich panel systems, known for their durability and low upkeep. This choice supports sustainability and practicality in construction. Inside, the walls are painted white, which makes the space feel open and airy, contributing to a sense of freedom within the constraint of a smaller footprint.

Utility Integration

Solar panels are installed to provide renewable energy, decreasing the need for traditional energy sources. Additionally, the home has a built-in septic tank for waste management and a rainwater collection system that supplies water for various household needs and irrigation for plants. Together, these features demonstrate a commitment to efficiency and environmental responsibility.

The design effectively blends an open loft concept with defined living spaces, allowing residents to navigate seamlessly through their home. Each element works together to create a functional and inviting environment, catering to the needs of modern urban living.

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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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