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Elevated Community Spaces With Perforated Walls and Sustainable Materials

Author:
Janet Madeleine Medina Malaga
Elevated Community Spaces With Perforated Walls and Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

Elevated on slender columns, the design integrates perforated walls and locally sourced materials to foster communal interactions and adapt to varying family needs in sustainable rural housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design to enhance ventilation and flood protection.
02
Adaptable modular layout allowing for family-specific configurations.
03
Integration of local materials to promote environmental sustainability.
04
Perforated façade providing natural light while maintaining privacy.
05
Communal spaces designed for social interaction and cultural activities.

### Overview

The Seed House project, situated in Arequipa, Peru, addresses the pressing housing needs in rural areas through an innovative approach to social housing. The intent is to provide a solution that combines sustainable practices with cultural sensitivity, thereby enhancing living conditions while fostering community interaction and environmental stewardship.

### Spatial Configuration and Flexibility

The design emphasizes modular and flexible housing units that can be tailored to the specific needs of families. Elevated on slender columns, the structure allows for flood protection and facilitates the adaptation of ground-floor spaces for communal activities such as markets and gatherings. The interiors are designed to be multifunctional, enabling varied configurations that cater to diverse family requirements. This versatility is crucial in a cultural context where familial ties play a significant role in daily life.

### Material Specification and Sustainability

The project employs a comprehensive selection of materials to achieve both sustainability and performance. Steel columns and reinforced concrete form the backbone of the structure, ensuring stability and durability. High-quality insulation contributes to enhanced thermal comfort, while brick and plaster finishes provide a traditional aesthetic. The use of wood for interior cladding adds warmth to the spaces, and integrated photovoltaic systems promote energy independence. This combination of materials not only supports structural integrity but also aligns with the project’s sustainability goals, minimizing the overall environmental impact.

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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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