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A Modular System for off-Grid Communal Living

Authors:
Paolo Dolceamore, Omar Cicci, Federico Andrea Iannarone, Matteo Dossetto
A Modular System for off-Grid Communal Living

Project in-detail

Designed to respond to the demands of remote habitation, the work addresses housing flexibility within Iceland’s variable climatic and geographic conditions. It considers ecological performance, spatial adaptability, and modular construction as key factors in supporting off-grid living for a diverse user base.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed for modularity, each unit can be assembled or disassembled quickly.
02
Incorporates photovoltaic panels to achieve energy self-sufficiency.
03
Features recyclable materials, enhancing sustainability throughout construction.
04
Utilizes a bent A-frame to maximize structural integrity and space efficiency.
05
Integrates indoor greenery to promote biodiversity and environmental awareness.

Located within Iceland’s remote and often challenging landscapes, F.O.L.D. responds to the growing need for adaptable and sustainable housing. The project is structured around a modular approach that accommodates various household sizes and income levels. Each unit is designed to function autonomously while maintaining the potential for interconnectivity, supporting both individual privacy and collective living.

Material Strategy and Environmental Response
The material palette reflects priorities of durability, efficiency, and environmental performance. A steel frame establishes structural stability with minimal weight, while aluminum composite panels contribute to insulation and resistance against harsh weather conditions. Generous glazing introduces natural light and supports passive ventilation, addressing the subdued daylight typical of the Icelandic climate. Interior finishes include plywood partitions and timber elements that generate visual warmth, while select components incorporate recycled materials to support circular construction practices.

Flexible Spatial Configuration
Internal spaces are arranged for adaptability, employing convertible furniture and sliding partitions to shift between private and communal uses. Indoor gardens are integrated into each module, establishing a sensory connection with the natural environment and supporting small-scale food production. The positioning and stacking of units consider both environmental orientation and topographic conditions, with varied wall textures providing visual differentiation across the built ensemble. These features collectively support a flexible framework tailored to evolving user needs.

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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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