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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 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

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