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Hydrogen-Fueled Habitats with Transparent Aluminum and Sustainable Living Solutions

Author:
Zeyong Zhang
Hydrogen-Fueled Habitats with Transparent Aluminum and Sustainable Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Equipped with a hydrogen fuel system and constructed from transparent aluminum, this sustainable habitat on Mars is designed for self-sufficient living while addressing the pressing challenges of resource management and ecological responsibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Equipped with a hydrogen fuel tank that converts water into fuel.
02
Includes a concealed toilet that pivots for enhanced space efficiency.
03
Features a vertical garden for sustainable food production.
04
Constructed using transparent aluminum for durability and visibility.
05
Integrates advanced water purification systems for clean water access.

Apollo Haus is designed for life on Mars, addressing the challenges of overpopulation and resource scarcity that have surfaced on Earth. It offers a sustainable living solution for young professional couples. The overall design emphasizes self-sufficiency and responsibility toward the environment. Through deliberate space usage and advanced technology, the structure aims to provide a functional and welcoming habitat for its inhabitants in a new frontier.

Sustainable Living Environment

The concept promotes a minimalist lifestyle, encouraging efficient use of every square inch. Features such as a concealed toilet that reveals itself when needed and a vertical garden enhance space while supporting ecological goals. This approach fosters a connection between occupants and their living environment, highlighting the essential need for careful resource management on another planet.

Self-Sufficiency Technologies

Central to Apollo Haus is a range of technologies designed to ensure residents can live independently. The project includes a hydrogen fuel tank that changes water into fuel, addressing the vital need for energy in the challenging Martian climate. A cistern with a water purifier offers a steady supply of clean water. These features underline the goal of creating a self-reliant home capable of meeting the needs of its occupants.

Natural Illumination and Materiality

Natural light plays a crucial role in the design. Skylights and photovoltaic roofs are integrated to capture sunlight while providing necessary brightness. This connection to the outside environment contributes to a pleasant living atmosphere. Selected materials, such as transparent aluminum and ceramic composite siding, are chosen for their strength and effectiveness in the Martian landscape, ensuring the structure withstands the conditions of the planet.

Functional Spaces for Living

Inside Apollo Haus, the layout balances private and communal areas. Spaces designated for sleeping and shared dining promote both solitude and social interaction, which are important for mental well-being in an isolated environment. This arrangement nurtures a sense of community among residents, making the habitat feel more like home.

Key design details include a water pump and a compact bathroom that prioritize efficiency without sacrificing comfort. This attention to functionality ensures that living on Mars is practical and manageable, tailored specifically to the needs of its future inhabitants.

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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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