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Kinetic Timber Louvers Enhance Flexibility in Sustainable Modular Living

Authors:
Jd Van Aswecen , Jaco Van Der Watt
Kinetic Timber Louvers Enhance Flexibility in Sustainable Modular Living

Project in-detail

With kinetic timber louvers that adapt to changing weather conditions, this modular residence emphasizes sustainability through its use of insulated materials and solar energy, providing flexible living solutions in harmony with natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Kinetic timber louvers adjust for optimal shading and ventilation based on weather.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels provide superior structural strength and insulation.
03
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while offering a distinctive aesthetic.
04
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space while minimizing material usage.
05
Integrated solar panels support energy self-sufficiency and reduce environmental impact.

### Overview
The Adaptable Abode is a conceptual architectural initiative designed for diverse geographical environments, including the Cederberg Mountains, the Western Cape, and coastal areas like Boulders Beach. The intent is to create modular living spaces that prioritize sustainability and adaptability, allowing for flexible layouts that can evolve according to users' needs and environmental conditions. This design explores innovative solutions to accommodate varying climates and cultivates a harmonious relationship between the built environment and the surrounding landscape.

### Modularity and Spatial Flexibility
At the core of the design is a modular framework that enables the structure to expand or contract, catering to both transient residents and those seeking long-term habitation. This flexibility is achieved through a system that allows for transitions between compact and more elaborate configurations. Each iteration is tailored to its specific context, integrating adaptive features that respond to local climate conditions, enhancing both functionality and comfort for the occupants.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette for the Adaptable Abode emphasizes a balance between performance, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. Key materials include KingSpan QuadroCore® panels for structural integrity and thermal efficiency, aluminum skylights that facilitate daylighting, and adjustable kinetic timber louvers that dynamically respond to weather changes for enhanced thermal comfort. The design also incorporates insulated glazing and solar panels, underscoring its commitment to energy efficiency and reduced reliance on non-renewable resources. These thoughtful material choices reflect an overarching goal of promoting sustainable living while fostering an engaging user experience within the natural landscape.

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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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