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Honeycomb-Inspired Units with Recycled Plastic and Energy Efficiency

Authors:
Alfred Bonsra, Abdullahi Hamza, Oluwaseun Fayankin
Honeycomb-Inspired Units with Recycled Plastic and Energy Efficiency

Project in-detail

Constructed with an innovative honeycomb layout and made from recycled plastic, the residential units emphasize energy efficiency and modular design to meet the housing needs of urban London.
5 key facts about this project
01
Honeycomb structure allows optimal space utilization and adaptability.
02
Recycled plastic elements contribute to sustainability in construction.
03
Energy-efficient systems align with contemporary environmental standards.
04
Modular design enables easy disassembly and relocation.
05
Units are designed to maximize natural light penetration.

"The Hive" is a residential design situated in the urban landscape of London. It draws inspiration from the structure of a honeycomb, focusing on modularity and adaptability to enhance city living. The concept aims to balance functionality and sustainability, creating spaces that cater to the needs of residents while addressing modern urban challenges.

Structural Efficiency

One of the key features is the use of a honeycomb layout, which brings together repeated identical unit cells. This configuration allows for efficient construction and ensures the structure remains lightweight. The self-supporting design means that materials are used optimally, which helps keep costs down and maintains the integrity of the buildings.

Modular Living Units

The design includes well-planned living units, featuring both one-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments. Each unit is arranged thoughtfully to maximize usable space while considering privacy and communal areas. This careful organization fosters a sense of comfort and utility for residents, making daily living more convenient.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a central theme, and the design complies with modern energy efficiency guidelines. Features include adherence to energy analysis benchmarks such as ASHRAE 90.1, illustrating a dedication to environmentally friendly practices. The integration of energy-efficient systems encourages responsible living, which is increasingly important in today's world.

Material Selection

In terms of materials, the project includes a variety of components that enhance its structural and energy performance. Steel cable and flat steel bar provide strength, while cement board serves as a durable surface. Polyurethane foam insulation improves energy efficiency, and recycled composite plastic is used to support sustainability efforts. Aluminous clips ensure easy assembly, maintaining the overall structure's integrity.

The facade is designed with a geometric pattern that reflects the honeycomb structure, promoting natural light and providing a visual connection to the urban surroundings. This detail not only adds to the aesthetic quality of the design but also enhances the overall living experience.

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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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