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Flexible Wood Shell with Solar Integration for Community Living

Author:
Giada Pacini
Flexible Wood Shell with Solar Integration for Community Living

Project in-detail

A flexible wood shell enveloped by a protective layer and reinforced with solar panels creates a sustainable living environment that encourages community engagement while preserving individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible vertical wood panels allow for adaptability in space usage.
02
RENOGY solar panels enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.
03
A protective layer shields the structure from water and sand.
04
Underground water sourcing contributes to resource management.
05
Large glass doors and windows foster a strong indoor-outdoor connection.

The Oryx Shelter is designed to facilitate communal living while emphasizing sustainability and practicality. The setting inspires a functional and welcoming atmosphere. The design aims to balance social interaction with personal privacy. Natural light fills the space, creating a warm and inviting environment suitable for modern living.

Design Concept

At the core of the project is a vision to promote community bonds alongside individual comfort. The layout showcases distinct areas that encourage shared experiences among residents while also providing quiet spaces for relaxation. Large glass doors and revolving windows enhance the connection between inside and outside, allowing fresh air and sunlight to flow through.

Materiality and Structure

Material choices focus on durability and efficiency. Flexible vertical wood panels allow the design to adapt over time. A sturdy wood frame offers essential support and stability. Additional features include a protective layer against water and sand, ensuring longevity against the elements. Insulation is strategically placed to maintain a comfortable temperature inside throughout the seasons.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability remains a priority, highlighted by the use of RENOGY flexible solar panels. This addition supports energy efficiency and encourages responsible resource use. The design also incorporates underground water sourcing, which helps manage water use effectively. These features reflect a conscious effort to minimize environmental impact while providing for residents' needs.

Spatial Arrangement

The building’s elevations are designed to maximize natural light, while the spatial arrangement respects residents' privacy. Each element provides functionality for daily activities, supporting communal living without sacrificing personal space. The arrangement of various areas ensures that occupants can thrive within their environment, enhancing their overall quality of life.

A notable element of The Oryx Shelter is its innovative shell detail, combining flexible wood panels with protection layers. This combination reinforces the structure's resilience and emphasizes its ability to adapt to environmental conditions, reflecting a responsive approach to contemporary living.

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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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