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Hypalon Panels and Quick Assembly in a Versatile Small Shelter

Author:
Evan z.d. Liu
Hypalon Panels and Quick Assembly in a Versatile Small Shelter

Project in-detail

Constructed with Hypalon panels and designed for quick assembly, this small inflatable house provides a flexible solution for both emergency shelter needs and temporary living arrangements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an air outlet system for quick inflation of furniture and appliances.
02
Constructed to easily deflate and pack for convenient relocation.
03
Features modular inflatable panels that allow for flexible interior configurations.
04
Incorporates durable Hypalon for lightweight and weather-resistant exterior.
05
Designed for rapid assembly, making it ideal for emergency situations.

The inflatable house project introduces a fresh idea in the realm of housing by using inflatable technology to create a flexible and practical living space. Designed for various settings, including emergency shelters and vacation accommodations, it focuses on modularity to meet different needs. The overall concept is centered around efficiency, functionality, and a clean appearance that works well in any environment.

Structural Design

At the heart of the design lies a modular framework made up of inflatable panels that can serve multiple functions. This allows users to reconfigure their living space, whether they need a place to sleep, work, or store belongings. The panels fit together to form a cohesive unit, accommodating a variety of activities without losing comfort or usability.

Functional Features

The inflatable house includes several key features that enhance everyday living. For instance, some panels have built-in windows and sinks, which add to the functionality of the space. Another noteworthy feature is the air outlet, which acts as a replacement for traditional electrical outlets. This outlet makes it easy to inflate furniture and power small appliances, such as washing machines, seamlessly integrating modern conveniences into the design.

Material Selection

Materials play an important role in the inflatable house's design. Fiberglass is chosen for the structural components, providing strength and stability. Hypalon is used for the inflatable panels, bringing lightweight and durable qualities that ensure the structure is easy to transport and set up. This combination allows for a practical yet effective building approach.

Sustainability Considerations

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, with materials selected to minimize environmental impact. The ability to pack away the structure when not in use allows for flexible relocation options and reduced resource consumption. Future designs may incorporate features like solar panels, further enhancing the self-sufficiency of the inflatable house without compromising its functionality.

The focus on practical design, combined with the use of durable materials and sustainable practices, makes the inflatable house a compelling option for both temporary and permanent living solutions. The thoughtful integration of functional features demonstrates a deep understanding of user needs in modern housing.

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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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