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Expandable Housing Units with Sandwich-Type Panels for Urban Living

Authors:
Robinson Almeyda, Sebastian Torres, Simon Camacho, William Larrota
Expandable Housing Units with Sandwich-Type Panels for Urban Living

Project in-detail

Using an innovative modular design that incorporates expandable units and sandwich-type panels, the project aims to provide affordable housing solutions that adapt to the evolving needs of urban residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for easy customization and expansion based on resident needs.
02
Sandwich-type panels enhance thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
03
Design promotes community interaction through shared green spaces.
04
Flexible living layouts maximize usability in compact environments.
05
Incorporates rainwater catchment systems for sustainable resource management.

The design focuses on addressing the urgent housing needs in London, a city undergoing rapid economic and social changes due to industrialization and urbanization. The aim is to create affordable housing solutions through a modular approach, which optimizes space and resources. This makes it possible to design living areas that can adapt to the diverse requirements of the city’s population.

Modular Housing Concept

Core to the design is the idea of flexible, sustainable housing that fits within the existing urban landscape. Each housing unit consists of two parts: a fixed component and an expandable section. This arrangement allows residents to modify their living space as their needs change, providing a practical solution to urban living.

Design and Functional Components

The project's layout offers four different types of housing, catering to a range of occupants. Each unit features a bathroom with essential fixtures and a kitchen designed to include both storage and appliances. Multi-functional furniture plays an important role in maximizing usable space, allowing for comfort in smaller areas.

Sustainability and Circulation

The construction includes sandwich-type panels that provide insulation for walls and floors. This improves energy efficiency while maintaining internal comfort levels. The circulation within the living spaces integrates horizontal and vertical steel systems, making movement easy throughout the building. This design enhances neighborhood interaction and fosters a sense of community, complemented by strategically placed green spaces that encourage social engagement.

Innovative Features

Sustainability measures, such as rainwater catchment systems and solar panels, are incorporated thoughtfully into the design. These features aim to reduce the ecological impact of the development while encouraging residents to engage in environmentally friendly practices. The operable windows also contribute positively by allowing fresh air and natural light into the compact units, enhancing the living experience.

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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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