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Elevated Shipping Container Structure Blending Steel And Natural Wood In A Cold Climate Environment

Author:
Tamas Medve
Elevated Shipping Container Structure Blending Steel And Natural Wood In A Cold Climate Environment

Project in-detail

An elevated structure of repurposed shipping containers integrates steel framing and natural wood elements, designed to withstand cold climate conditions while serving as a flexible residential space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design minimizes snow accumulation and enhances drainage.
02
Repurposed shipping containers provide flexible living spaces with modular capability.
03
Large glass panels promote natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Steel framing ensures structural integrity in cold climate conditions.
05
Natural wood elements create warmth and contrast against the industrial materials.

## Project Overview

Located in a wooded area characterized by its northern climatic conditions, the design employs shipping containers as the primary building material, demonstrating an innovative approach to architecture. The structure emphasizes a contemporary aesthetic while integrating with its natural surroundings. The project's intent centers on addressing the practical and ecological considerations of modern architectural practices through the repurposing of these containers.

## Spatial Strategy

The elevated design enhances the building's interaction with the landscape, minimizing disruption to the terrain and encouraging natural water drainage. Significant use of glass promotes natural light penetration, which contributes to the emotional well-being of residents while blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. The open-plan layout facilitates fluid movement, ensuring social connectivity while maintaining defined functional zones for living, cooking, and sleeping.

## Materiality and Design Elements

The selection of shipping containers provides durability and ease of modification, reinforcing the project's sustainable ethos. Large glass panels integrated into the façade offer unobstructed views and contribute to the structure's energy efficiency, while wooden elements soften the industrial character of the containers. The use of concrete for the foundation ensures stability, particularly in snowy conditions, while steel reinforcements enhance structural integrity. Externally, the geometric profiles and strategic lighting create a visually engaging presence that responds to the surrounding environment, reinforcing the building's role within its context.

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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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