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Laminated Glass and Teflon-Coated Panels in a Compact Sustainable Home

Author:
Jarett Messina
Laminated Glass and Teflon-Coated Panels in a Compact Sustainable Home

Project in-detail

Constructed with laminated glass and Teflon-coated panels, this compact sustainable home integrates advanced safety features and efficient resource management for modern living in a post-apocalyptic context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Laminated glass provides enhanced visibility and safety without sacrificing natural light.
02
Teflon-coated panels protect against falling hazards, improving occupant security.
03
The hydroponic garden allows for sustainable food production in a compact space.
04
An articulated base ensures stability on diverse terrains for adaptability.
05
Rainwater collection systems promote efficient water use for self-sufficiency.

The Crystal Cabin offers a thoughtful design catering to the demands of living in a post-apocalyptic environment. It is built in a conceptual landscape characterized by uncertainty and change. The compact structure is intended to be self-sufficient and secure, integrating essential living spaces that promote comfort and resilience. Overall, it presents a functional home that addresses contemporary living challenges.

Layout and Functionality

This design features a well-organized layout with distinct areas for everyday life. Key spaces include a kitchen and dining area, a living room, storage and dressing space, a bedroom, a bathroom, and an expansive deck. This arrangement maximizes the use of space while ensuring that residents can move freely and access what they need. The deck, equipped with a metal grate for rainwater collection, reinforces the focus on sustainable living.

Safety Considerations

Safety is a significant aspect of the design. Full-height glass doors allow easy access while providing effective security against unauthorized entry. The cabin's articulated base enhances stability on various ground conditions, ensuring that it remains safe and functional despite changing environments.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability runs throughout the design, evident in various practical features. High-efficiency solar panels are integrated to capture energy, allowing the home to function with minimal light. A hydroponic garden is included to provide fresh food and resources, essential for occupants facing isolation. Additionally, systems for collecting rainwater and greywater highlight the commitment to efficient water use within the home.

Materials and Construction

Material selection plays a crucial role in ensuring that the structure is both durable and practical. Laminated glass is used to let in natural light while maintaining safety. Teflon-coated exterior panels serve to protect against potential hazards from above, reinforcing the security of the living space. The design also incorporates strong stainless steel, ensuring that the structure requires minimal maintenance and remains resilient over time.

Distinctive design details include the wide glass elements that create a clear visual connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This not only protects residents but also allows them to feel connected to their environment, enhancing the overall living experience.

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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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