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Hexagonal Hives Constructed with Sustainable Timber and Enabled by Drone Technology

Author:
Christopher Lenehan
Hexagonal Hives Constructed with Sustainable Timber and Enabled by Drone Technology

Project in-detail

Constructed with hexagonal modular units and sustainable timber, the design integrates drone technology for mobility while fostering community engagement in urban living environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a hexagonal modular design that maximizes space efficiency.
02
Incorporates drone technology for seamless mobility and repositioning.
03
Features a micro-farming area to promote self-sufficiency among residents.
04
Utilizes sustainably sourced cross-laminated timber and charred wooden shingles.
05
Design encourages community interaction through shared outdoor spaces.
DROBE is an architectural project designed to address the evolving needs of contemporary urban living, particularly for young professionals who require flexibility and mobility in their housing solutions. This project presents a network of modular living units, referred to as "Hives," which prioritize efficiency, sustainability, and community interaction. The architectural design incorporates unique elements that redefine conventional notions of residential spaces and living arrangements.

Innovative Design Approaches

The DROBE project employs a hexagonal form for its living units, optimizing spatial usage while fostering a sense of community. Each Hive features large glass panels that enhance transparency, allowing natural light to permeate the interiors and creating a connection with the outside environment. The use of sustainably sourced timber for flooring adds a natural aesthetic, ensuring that the units maintain a balance between modernity and ecological responsibility. The inclusion of solar panels on the roofs aligns with the project’s commitment to renewable energy, making the living units partially self-sufficient.

The design incorporates innovative mobility solutions, with units managed by local drones for transportation and repositioning in urban settings. This approach not only emphasizes adaptability but also presents a unique infrastructural integration of technology within everyday living. Furthermore, each Hive is designed with flexible spaces that can accommodate various functions, from personal workstations to communal areas, enhancing the overall utility of the living environment.

Community Interaction and Sustainability

In addition to its architectural design, the DROBE project fosters community engagement by clustering multiple Hives together. This arrangement promotes shared outdoor spaces, encouraging social interactions among residents. The design includes a micro-farming area, supporting sustainability and self-sufficiency while enhancing the ecological footprint of the community.

The project also focuses on resource efficiency, incorporating systems for rainwater collection and gray water recycling. These design aspects help to minimize reliance on traditional utilities, aligning with the project’s overarching goal of promoting environmentally responsible living.

For further insights into the DROBE project, including architectural plans and sections, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. By reviewing the specific architectural designs and ideas, one can gain a deeper understanding of the design elements that distinguish DROBE as a significant contribution to modern residential architecture.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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