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Egg-Shaped Shelter Featuring Gyroscopic Stability and Insulated Panels for Volcanic Protection

Egg-Shaped Shelter Featuring Gyroscopic Stability and Insulated Panels for Volcanic Protection

Project in-detail

An egg-shaped structure employs gyroscopic stability and insulated panels to provide a mobile shelter designed for safety during volcanic eruptions.
5 key facts about this project
01
An egg shape enhances structural integrity against seismic forces.
02
Gyroscopic mechanism maintains balance during volcanic activity.
03
Insulated panels provide thermal efficiency in extreme conditions.
04
Modular design allows for rapid relocation via helicopter.
05
Inflatable airbags absorb impacts and enhance occupant safety.

### Overview
The RESCU.E.GG project is situated in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, an area notably affected by volcanic activity from Mount Merapi. The design centers on an egg-shaped shelter known as the "Rescue Egg," intended to provide a secure refuge during volcanic eruptions. This project focuses on both protection and mobility by integrating advanced engineering solutions with a form reflective of the surrounding landscape's dynamics.

### Structural Resilience
The egg shape is pivotal to the project, symbolizing protection while enhancing structural integrity against external forces. The design employs principles of resilience, utilizing the natural curvature of the egg to effectively distribute stress and maintain stability during seismic events. This approach addresses the urgent need for a rapid-response solution in geologically active zones, enabling the structure to be relocated via helicopter, thereby improving emergency responsiveness.

### Material Selection
Material choices are critical in ensuring occupant safety and comfort. Key components include:

- **Kingpan Insulated Panels**: Providing thermal efficiency and structural integrity.
- **Gyroscopic Mechanism**: Ensuring balance during ground movement due to natural events.
- **Airbag Structures**: Offering shock absorption for additional safety.
- **Elastic Egg Shell**: Designed for resilience against environmental extremes.

These materials collectively contribute to a lightweight and durable protective shell, optimizing quick deployment in emergency situations.

### Functional Layout
The internal design prioritizes space optimization and basic human needs. The microhome features two levels, accommodating designated areas for:

- **Sleeping Quarters**: Configured for both individual and communal use.
- **Pantry and Storage**: Facilitating resource management during crises.
- **Sanitation Facilities**: Promoting hygiene with essential wash areas.

The design fosters efficient circulation, enabling swift access to crucial functions within the shelter.

### Innovative Safety Features
A distinctive aspect of the design is the integration of a gyroscopic system that maintains equilibrium amid external disturbances. This mechanism, combined with airbag technology, enhances occupant safety by absorbing shocks and preserving structural integrity. The focus on resilience and mobility in the architectural approach facilitates air transport and rapid relocation during emergencies.

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

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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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