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Elevated Flood-Resilient Home Featuring Kingspan QuadCore Panels and Open-Plan Living

Author:
Bruno Da Silva Azevedo
Elevated Flood-Resilient Home Featuring Kingspan QuadCore Panels and Open-Plan Living

Project in-detail

Constructed on stilts to mitigate flood risks, the home integrates Kingspan QuadCore panels for enhanced insulation and an open-plan design that maximizes flexibility for everyday living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed on elevated stilts to address potential flooding.
02
Incorporates Kingspan QuadCore panels for superior insulation and energy efficiency.
03
Features an open-plan design that promotes flexibility and adaptability in living spaces.
04
Strategically positioned large windows optimize natural light and views of the surroundings.
05
Equipped with a greywater management system to enhance sustainability.

### Project Overview

The "Cellular Migration" project, designed for the Buildner Kingspan Micro Home Competition 2024, addresses contemporary challenges of living in compact spaces through innovative design principles focused on sustainability and spatial efficiency. The project emphasizes modular structures that adapt to the surrounding natural landscape, facilitating a harmonious relationship between built and natural environments.

### Spatial Configuration

#### Layout and Functionality

The interior layout is organized into distinct yet interconnected zones, including a lounge, kitchen, workstation, bedroom, and bathroom. The open-plan design promotes flexibility and functionality:

- **Lower Floor**: This level features a multi-functional lounge that serves both as a social space and a work area, alongside a kitchen designed for daily use.
- **Upper Floor**: Privacy is prioritized here, where personal areas such as the bedroom and bathroom are strategically placed, maintaining a sense of separation while promoting connectivity through the internal stairwell.

#### Vertical Circulation

The internal stairwell provides essential vertical circulation, serving as a connecting feature that enhances visual openness throughout the home.

### Materiality

The selection of materials in this project underscores a commitment to durability and environmental considerations:

1. **Kingspan QuadCore Panels**: Chosen for their lightweight properties and energy efficiency, facilitating ease of assembly.
2. **Glass**: Expansive window applications allow for natural daylight penetration while visually connecting interior spaces with the outdoors.
3. **Composite Materials**: Utilized to improve insulation and reduce the overall carbon footprint of the structure.
4. **Reinforced Concrete**: Applied in the foundation for structural stability, using sustainable practices in its selection.

### Unique Features

- **Flood Adaptation**: Elevated design on stilts accommodates flood-prone conditions by allowing water flow beneath, thus providing protection to the structure while maintaining visual alignment with its environment.
- **Natural Light Optimization**: Strategic window placement maximizes exposure to daylight, reducing dependence on artificial lighting and enhancing occupant comfort.
- **Modular Adaptability**: The cell-based design allows for personalization based on occupant needs, making it well-suited for micro-living scenarios.
- **Sustainable Systems**: Integration of solar panels and greywater management systems reflects a dedication to sustainable building practices.

### Geographical Context

While the project does not specify a particular geographical location, its adaptable design suggests suitability across various climates, particularly in coastal or waterfront areas where flooding risks are prevalent.

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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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