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Hempcrete Insulated Dwelling With Integrated Beehives and Urban Greenery

Authors:
Stanislav Paunovic, Vera Petronijević
Hempcrete Insulated Dwelling With Integrated Beehives and Urban Greenery

Project in-detail

Incorporating Hempcrete insulation and a central atrium with integrated beehives, the design fosters a sustainable living space that promotes urban biodiversity while serving as a residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features an atrium with 18 AZ beehives for direct interaction with pollinators.
02
Utilizes Hempcrete insulation for enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability.
03
Incorporates modular design elements that allow for spatial flexibility.
04
Integrates a rooftop garden, promoting biodiversity in an urban landscape.
05
Utilizes solar panels to generate renewable energy for the residence.

### Project Overview

The Bee House is an architectural design focused on integrating residential living with environmental sustainability, specifically targeting bee conservation. Located in an urban context, the project addresses ecological challenges through multifunctional living spaces that support both apitourism and urban beekeeping. The design promotes a coexistence between human habitation and natural ecosystems, reflecting a modern approach to resilient architecture.

### Spatial Configuration

Central to the design is an atrium that accommodates 18 specialized AZ beehives, facilitating direct interaction with bees. The layout is divided into four functional zones: a living area that includes dining and sleeping spaces; a kitchen; a dedicated toileting and shower area; and a space for apitherapy and beekeeping practices. This arrangement encourages a circular flow, enhancing movement while delineating distinct yet interconnected areas to provide flexible usage of the space.

### Material Sustainability

A committed approach to sustainability is evident in the choice of materials. The roofing features EPDM membrane for durability and waterproofing, while Hempcrete insulation, a biocomposite material, offers energy efficiency. An OSB subfloor provides structural integrity and sustainability; the Troditekt ceiling enhances acoustics and aesthetics, and wooden flooring adds warmth. Each material is selected not only for its performance but also for its ecological impact, contributing to the overall sustainable ethos of the project.

### Energy Efficiency Features

Energy efficiency is prioritized throughout the design, incorporating solar panels to harness renewable energy and decrease dependence on non-renewable sources. The atrium is strategically designed to optimize natural airflow and sunlight, significantly reducing energy consumption associated with heating, lighting, and ventilation. This focus on energy efficiency aligns with the project's overarching goal of fostering a sustainable living environment.

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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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