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Heat-Retaining Design with Double-Glazed Windows for Community Living

Author:
Matthew Ochidi
Heat-Retaining Design with Double-Glazed Windows for Community Living

Project in-detail

With a focus on sustainability, the design incorporates heat-retaining partition walls and double-glazed windows to create energy-efficient living spaces that foster community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Energy generation through solar panels reduces reliance on external power sources.
02
Heat-retaining partition walls enhance energy efficiency during colder months.
03
Double-glazed windows minimize heat loss while allowing natural light.
04
Integrated water recycling systems support sustainable living practices.
05
Modular living units accommodate diverse resident needs and promote community.

The design located in Toronto, Canada, addresses important needs in urban housing by focusing on affordable living options. The building is meant to accommodate various residents, including families, couples, and individuals. The overall concept emphasizes practicality and the importance of community, looking to create connections among people living in the space.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is a key feature of the design. Solar panels are strategically placed to provide electricity for the residents, aiming to lessen dependence on conventional energy sources. This focus on renewable energy aligns with ongoing environmental goals. Additionally, systems are in place to recycle and purify water, contributing to the building's reduced ecological impact.

Energy Efficiency Features

Inside the building, heat-retaining partition walls help to keep warmth from escaping during the winter months. This thoughtful choice minimizes the need for high energy consumption for heating. Coupled with double-glazed windows, the design allows natural light to fill rooms while preventing significant heat loss. Together, these elements work to create a comfortable living environment that responds to seasonal changes.

Community Oriented Design

The layout of the living units encourages interaction among residents. Large windows provide ample natural light and good ventilation, enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of the spaces. The design recognizes that living within a community is essential. It invites residents to engage with one another and their surroundings, fostering a supportive atmosphere.

The building's exterior is designed with attention to the context of Toronto, blending with the city's architectural landscape. Each aspect of the design serves a clear purpose, enhancing usability while promoting environmentally friendly practices. This approach to residential architecture highlights the importance of creating living spaces that are not only functional but also considerate of their environmental and social 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
competition now

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