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Integrating Plywood and Corrugated Metal in Affordable Urban Housing

Authors:
Stefani Thoma, Antonis Kyprianou
Integrating Plywood and Corrugated Metal in Affordable Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Constructed using plywood and corrugated metal, these modular cabins offer affordable housing solutions in a revitalized urban landscape filled with vacant high-rises, effectively addressing the needs of local residents and young professionals.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular cabin layouts allow for customizable living arrangements tailored to resident needs.
02
Utilizes exterior plywood panels for improved thermal insulation and reduced environmental impact.
03
Integrates rainwater collection systems to enhance sustainability in urban settings.
04
Designed to revitalize vacant high-rise buildings into functional community spaces.
05
Features large windows for natural light and views of the Limassol waterfront.

Golden Cabins is located in Limassol, Cyprus, aiming to provide affordable housing following the end of the golden passport scheme. Many high-rise buildings in the area now stand empty, often referred to as "zombie towers." The cabins are designed to repurpose these vacant structures into functional living spaces for young professionals and local residents. The overall concept emphasizes modularity and flexibility, allowing each cabin to fit the diverse needs of its occupants while harmonizing with the surrounding urban environment.

Modularity and Flexibility

The design takes a modular approach, breaking each cabin into five key functional areas: bathing, storing, cooking, living, and sleeping. This division allows efficient use of space and provides the opportunity for residents to customize their arrangements. The flexibility fosters a sense of community and encourages interaction among occupants. People can choose layouts that suit their lifestyles, making the cabins adaptable to varying living situations.

Integration with Urban Landscape

Golden Cabins integrates with the urban landscape, using the existing vacant buildings to create a revitalized area for community living. By addressing housing shortages, the project actively contributes to the city’s regeneration. The design connects to the local context, transforming empty buildings into homes. This response is practical, enhancing the quality of life in the area.

Sustainable Material Selection

The project emphasizes sustainability through careful material choice. Exterior plywood panels serve as a renewable and environmentally friendly option. They provide thermal and acoustic insulation, helping to maintain comfortable indoor environments. These panels also meet low formaldehyde emissions requirements, promoting healthier living spaces. Additionally, the use of corrugated metal roofing boosts energy efficiency and improves the overall performance of the cabins.

Unique Design Features

Attention to detail is evident in the design of each cabin. Adjustable foundations and rainwater collection systems enhance functionality and sustainability. Windows are thoughtfully positioned to allow natural light to flow in and offer views of the waterfront. Such features not only improve living conditions but also establish connections to the environment, enriching the overall experience for residents.

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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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