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Farming Boxes and Solar Panels in Affordable Housing for Earthquake Survivors

Authors:
Ali Lavasani, Ashkan Delavarnejad, Yeganeh Borhani
Farming Boxes and Solar Panels in Affordable Housing for Earthquake Survivors

Project in-detail

With integrated farming boxes and solar panels, affordable housing is crafted for earthquake survivors in Iran, focusing on sustainability and rapid deployment to address urgent needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates farming boxes at the entrance for urban gardening.
02
Equipped with solar panels for energy efficiency and hot water.
03
Uses wood as the primary construction material for sustainability.
04
Features a sanitizer dispenser at the entrance for health safety.
05
Elevated design allows for integrated plumbing and drainage systems.

The project addresses the urgent issue of providing housing for earthquake survivors in Iran, a region often affected by natural disasters. The design concept focuses on creating affordable homes that can be built quickly for those who have lost their residences. By using prefabricated components, the approach allows for faster construction, which is crucial in emergency situations.

Layout and Functionality

The arrangement of space within the home includes three main areas: a living area that serves as a dining and working space, a kitchen, and a room with a bathroom. This design efficiently utilizes the available space and accommodates various daily activities. The layout ensures that each area serves a clear purpose while remaining flexible enough to adjust to the residents' needs.

Natural Ventilation and Sustainability

To meet the challenges of the hot and dry climate found in many parts of Iran, the design includes two windows and two doors that are positioned directly across from each other. This setup promotes natural cross-ventilation, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor atmosphere. Solar panels on the roof not only provide electricity but also supply hot water, contributing to the overall energy efficiency of the home.

Health Safety Considerations

Recent concerns about health and cleanliness have influenced the design approach. An automatic sanitizer dispenser is installed at the entrance, allowing residents and visitors to maintain hygiene as they enter the home. This feature reflects a thoughtful response to current health issues and aims to create a safe living environment.

Materiality and Accessibility

Wood is chosen as the primary material for the modular walls, emphasizing the use of locally available resources. This choice supports the local economy and keeps costs manageable. The design also elevates the living space approximately 70 cm above ground level. This elevation provides room for important infrastructure such as plumbing and drainage systems while ensuring that living areas remain functional.

Farming boxes, located at both the entrance and behind the kitchen window, allow residents to grow their own vegetables and integrate sustainability into their daily lives. This feature encourages self-sufficiency and reflects a commitment to supporting residents in a post-disaster 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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