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Galvanized Steel and Plywood Collaboration Offering Versatile Urban Dwelling Solutions

Author:
Luca Mazzieri
Galvanized Steel and Plywood Collaboration Offering Versatile Urban Dwelling Solutions

Project in-detail

Combining galvanized steel and plywood within a lightweight framework, this urban dwelling adapts seamlessly to various living scenarios while prioritizing sustainability and energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a modular design allowing for easy reconfiguration of living spaces.
02
Features extensive use of recycled galvanized steel for durability and low maintenance.
03
Utilizes expanded polystyrene for effective thermal insulation throughout the structure.
04
Incorporates solar panels to enhance energy efficiency and reduce dependency on conventional power sources.
05
Exhibits a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments through large glass elements.

### Overview and Concept

Located in an urban context, the Bemo Home project addresses contemporary housing challenges faced by young individuals and families in light of rising global housing costs. The intent is to create a sustainable and adaptable living environment that accommodates various lifestyles and family configurations. By emphasizing a minimalistic design approach, the project seeks to simplify both construction and daily living, enhancing functionality while maintaining a pleasing aesthetic.

### Design Features and Materiality

**Exterior and Structural Expression:**
The façade features a modern cladding system primarily composed of galvanized steel panels, chosen for their durability, weather resistance, and low maintenance requirements. This architectural choice provides a strong visual presence while establishing a clear delineation between diverse environmental settings, illustrated by the contrasts of a winter landscape and a summer retreat. The structure employs lightweight rectangular-section steel tubes and reinforced frameworks to ensure stability while optimizing weight, thereby facilitating a flexible interior layout.

**Interior Experience and Sustainability:**
An open-plan design enhances spatial fluidity within the home, allowing natural light to permeate through strategically positioned windows and glass doors that offer expansive views. The use of plywood and smart wood panels introduces warmth, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Sustainability is further prioritized through the integration of solar panels, contributing to energy efficiency. Building materials and advanced insulation techniques are selected to optimize resource use and support thermal performance while ensuring a reduced environmental footprint.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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