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GFRP Modular Shelters with Integrated Rainwater Harvesting

Authors:
Nicolae Busca, Raluca Risnoveanu, Sabina Sabotnicu, Andreea Pribeanu
GFRP Modular Shelters with Integrated Rainwater Harvesting

Project in-detail

Incorporating GFRP and rainwater harvesting systems, the design offers a modular shelter solution that targets sustainability and adaptability in earthquake-prone regions.
5 key facts about this project
01
GFRP materials enhance lightweight durability and speed of assembly.
02
Customizable finish sheets allow for personalized aesthetic options.
03
Integrated rainwater harvesting promotes self-sufficiency in water use.
04
Modular design facilitates easy transport and reconfiguration.
05
Built to adapt to the specific needs of earthquake-affected communities.

The design addresses the challenges presented by earthquakes in select regions of Europe, including Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Romania, and Turkey. It aims to create sustainable housing solutions through a modular structure that meets the immediate and future needs of communities affected by seismic events. The concept centers on flexibility and adaptability, enabling quick assembly and transportation in emergency situations.

Modular Structure

The main focus is on developing a modular house that can be rapidly deployed in areas impacted by disasters. The design allows for easy transport, fitting onto a standard truck, which helps in providing swift responses to urgent needs. Within this modular setup, customizable finish sheets offer residents the chance to personalize their living spaces while maintaining an efficient assembly process.

Architectural Features

Distinct architectural elements define the house, including sloped roofs and deep overhangs. The sloped roofs assist with water runoff, enhancing the building's stability during earthquakes. Deep overhangs create shaded areas, improving temperature control for those inside, while also blending indoor and outdoor spaces.

Material Choices

Materials play a key role in the design. Polymers are used extensively because of their lightweight nature, which facilitates both construction and transportation. Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) is included in the walls and partitions, combining durability with insulation without adding extra weight. Recycled plastic textile fibers are also featured for thermal insulation and flooring, underlining a commitment to sustainability and efficient resource use.

Water Management Systems

Incorporating water conservation is essential to the design. It includes a system for harvesting rainwater, with integrated pipes within the walls that collect and redirect rainfall. This approach not only supports the overall sustainability of the house but also provides practical water resources for people living in the space.

The modular design results in a living area that provides immediate shelter while also promoting a sense of community. The layout allows for various configurations, adapting to meet the needs of its occupants. This blend of practical design and functionality is evident in how the spaces engage with their surroundings.

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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
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