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Inviting Hothouse Structure Featuring Recycled Surfaces and Insulated Sleep Capsules for Cyclists

Authors:
Álvaro Pedrayes, Clara Castañeda
Inviting Hothouse Structure Featuring Recycled Surfaces and Insulated Sleep Capsules for Cyclists

Project in-detail

A compact hothouse structure with a polycarbonate rooftop and insulated sleeping capsules provides cyclists with a functional rest stop designed for comfort and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Four wooden pillars provide structural support while allowing for adaptable configurations.
02
Polycarbonate rooftop maximizes natural light and weather protection in a compact footprint.
03
Insulated sleeping capsules enhance comfort for overnight cyclists in varying climates.
04
Recycled surfaces are integrated into the interior finishes, promoting sustainability.
05
The design serves as a lantern at night, guiding cyclists toward a restful stop.

The Changing Hive is a modular and adaptable rest stop designed for cyclists, situated within a natural setting. The overall design emphasizes flexibility, allowing users to adjust the structure according to their needs and the environment. It promotes engagement with the outdoors while providing essential amenities in a compact format.

Structural Framework
The foundation of The Changing Hive consists of four wooden pillars that offer stability and facilitate various configurations. These pillars allow the structure to adjust to different landscapes, making it versatile and functional in various contexts. The layers of the design can be overlapped or removed based on user requirements, ensuring that each visit can be tailored.

Material Selection
The secondary frame is made from assembled wood and features interior finishes that incorporate recycled surfaces. This choice of materials enhances the warm and inviting atmosphere of the space while supporting ecological values. A polycarbonate rooftop adds to the design by allowing natural light to brighten the interior, creating a lively environment for users.

Functionality
In its basic form, The Changing Hive includes essential features like covered bike racks, a table, and seating crafted from recycled or plywood materials. As a deluxe version, the space expands its offerings to include a kitchenette, shower cubicle, and WC. The lower level comprises communal areas, while the upper floor houses insulated private sleeping capsules, effectively utilizing the available space.

Climate Adaptability
The design addresses climate considerations, allowing the structure to function as a hothouse during colder months by retaining heat. Meanwhile, its lightweight design promotes ventilation in warmer weather, enhancing overall comfort for users throughout the year.

At night, the exterior glows softly, turning the Hive into a beacon that lights up the surrounding area and guides cyclists who seek a moment of rest.

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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
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