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High-Performance Insulated Panels and Modular Flexibility in Sustainable Living Solutions

Authors:
Byeong wook Noh, Ju yeon Hong
High-Performance Insulated Panels and Modular Flexibility in Sustainable Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Designed with high-performance insulated panels and modular flexibility, this sustainable living solution in Norway provides a resilient habitat that adapts to extreme environmental conditions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for easy expansion based on occupant needs.
02
High-performance insulated panels ensure superior energy efficiency in severe climates.
03
Hydraulic legs provide adaptability to uneven terrain and enhance stability.
04
Integrated solar panels facilitate off-grid living and reduce reliance on external energy sources.
05
The bent A-frame design fosters efficient snow shedding and structural resilience.

### Project Overview

Located in a challenging terrain, the Black Guardian project is designed as a modular architecture solution suitable for extreme environments. This initiative focuses on resilience, adaptability, and efficiency, providing both shelter and sustainable living options in inhospitable conditions. The design integrates contemporary aesthetics with practical functionality, addressing the complex demands of its location while offering robust housing solutions.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality

The architectural framework consists of three interconnecting modules, each serving a distinct purpose: living, working, and communal areas. This modular approach enables scalability, allowing users to adjust the configuration based on evolving needs and environmental challenges. The living area fosters comfort through personalized spaces, while the working area supports productivity with equipped workstations and technology. The communal space promotes social interaction, incorporating a cooking zone and flexible storage to enhance usability in isolated settings.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The structural integrity of the Black Guardian is reinforced through the careful selection of materials. High-performance insulated panels form the outer wall to withstand extreme temperatures, complemented by lightweight composite materials in the inner wall for enhanced durability. Key sustainability features include solar panels for renewable energy, an efficient heat recovery ventilation system to maximize energy efficiency, and a collection system for optimal water management. Adjustable hydraulic legs allow for stable placement on uneven terrain, further underscoring the design's adaptability in extreme weather conditions. The matte black façade not only provides a bold aesthetic but serves functional purposes, ensuring energy efficiency and thermal comfort through high-performance glazing in the windows.

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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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