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Flexible Tambour Structure with Bulk Wool Insulation for Urban Nomadic Living

Authors:
Bernadette Balatbat, Esther Liem, Harita Tahir
Flexible Tambour Structure with Bulk Wool Insulation for Urban Nomadic Living

Project in-detail

The innovative use of tambour walls and bulk wool insulation creates a flexible living space that meets the needs of urban nomads while addressing the challenges of extreme cold in Mongolia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible tambour walls allow dynamic adjustments to interior layouts.
02
Utilizes bulk wool insulation for enhanced thermal performance in cold climates.
03
Open porch design promotes community interaction among residents.
04
Emphasizes sustainable materials that respect local cultural traditions.
05
Orientation maximizes solar gain for passive heating throughout winter.

The Nomadic Home stands in the heart of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where the city grapples with severe air pollution. This dwelling brings together the essence of traditional nomadic living with the requirements of modern urban life. It serves as a versatile living space designed for those making the move from rural to city environments, focusing on comfort, sustainability, and a sense of community.

Multifunctional Layout

The ground floor features a practical layout with designated areas for storage, living, dining, and cooking. This arrangement encourages a blend of private and communal activities. Residents can easily engage with one another while managing daily tasks. The first-floor bedroom offers a private area for rest. This setup balances the need for personal space and communal interaction.

Tambour Flexibility

A key element in the design is the tambour structure, which enhances the home's adaptability. These walls and sliding components allow for easy adjustments to the interior layout as occupants' needs change. This approach not only improves how residents use the space but also respects the traditional form of the yurt, linking the new design to cultural roots.

Sustainable Material Selection

Material choices play an important role in the home's performance. The design incorporates 45mm tambour slats that provide both structure and aesthetic appeal. A water-resistant layer, bulk wool insulation, and polycarbonate materials work together to create a climate-responsive envelope. These features help maintain warmth during Mongolia's long, cold winters while promoting energy efficiency.

Community-Centric Features

The inclusion of an open porch area enhances social interactions among residents, breaking down barriers that can lead to isolation in urban settings. This space allows neighbors to come together, fostering a sense of belonging. Such a communal aspect reflects the traditional practice of sharing living spaces in nomadic cultures.

The design finishes with tambour slats that rise effortlessly along integrated tongues, creating a space that can adapt easily. This feature captures the spirit of traditional nomadic architecture, making it relevant for contemporary life while ensuring flexibility for its occupants.

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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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