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Hempcrete Community With Translucent Panels Emphasizing Accessibility and Collaboration

Authors:
Kateryna Kuksova, Olena Dovgopolova
Hempcrete Community With Translucent Panels Emphasizing Accessibility and Collaboration

Project in-detail

Utilizing hempcrete and translucent panels, this community-oriented residence is designed to enhance accessibility and collaboration for creative professionals while integrating sustainable living practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes hempcrete for enhanced thermal insulation and sustainability.
02
Features a communication system with colored lights for resident interaction.
03
Incorporates built-in elevator systems within furniture for adaptability.
04
Includes underground rainwater harvesting to promote eco-friendly practices.
05
Designed with flexible common areas to foster collaboration among residents.

**Overview**
Located in the Sumy region of Ukraine, this residential project is designed to accommodate the needs of creative industry residents, particularly focusing on individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges. The development aims to foster a sense of community through multifunctional living and working spaces that blend inclusivity with environmental sustainability. With a strong connection to the local hemp cultivation industry, the project integrates regional materials and practices, addressing both modern architectural demands and social concerns.

**Spatial Strategy and Functionality**
The design emphasizes adaptability, facilitating collaboration among residents within a shared environment. Built-in elevator systems within furniture allow for the reconfiguration of spaces to suit diverse requirements. The notion of “silent communication” is applied through a façade lighting system, enabling residents to indicate their preference for interaction or solitude without disrupting the environment. Collaborative workspaces and individualized units are strategically organized to promote both communal engagement and personal privacy.

**Material and Sustainability Considerations**
Utilizing sustainable materials, the project showcases innovative construction techniques while ensuring functionality and ecological responsibility. Key materials include hemp concrete, which provides thermal and acoustic insulation, and translucent panels that enhance natural light while maintaining energy efficiency. The structure is supported by a timber frame and a reinforced concrete foundation, contributing to its stability and flexibility. Furthermore, the integration of a rainwater harvesting system emphasizes water conservation and nurtures an ecological awareness among residents, reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainability within the community.

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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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