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Living Microhabitat with Recycled Metal and OSB Panels

Authors:
Ibrahim can Kırseven, Enes Furkan Koca, Şeyma Koçanalı, Feyza Müjgan Akdoğan
Living Microhabitat with Recycled Metal and OSB Panels

Project in-detail

Constructed with OSB panels and recycled metal, the design integrates vertical cylinders as photobioreactors to create a self-sufficient habitat that fosters living micro-algal cultures while serving as a multifunctional space for its occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical cylinders serve as photobioreactors, enhancing energy production.
02
Rainwater collection is integrated into the roof's sloped design.
03
OSB panels provide structural support while promoting sustainability.
04
Fabric pots with a drip irrigation system nurture algae growth.
05
The layout includes varied elevations for flexible, multifunctional spaces.

mi.AL.syst presents a thoughtful exploration into sustainable architecture, focusing on the creation of a self-sufficient habitat inspired by the microhabitat of algae. Situated within a contemporary context, the design integrates natural systems to optimize resource use while providing a functional living environment. The architecture emphasizes a continuous interaction with the ecosystem, aiming to create a dynamic relationship between humans and nature.

Integration of Biological Systems

The design incorporates vertical cylinders that function as photobioreactors. These systems use natural light, grey water, and carbon dioxide to support living micro-algal cultures. This promotes energy production while managing water resources. By doing so, the design adopts a zero waste philosophy, showing how biological processes can enhance architectural performance.

Roof and Water Management

The roof design features transparent surfaces to maximize natural light entry, which is essential for the algae's growth. Its sloped form also allows for efficient rainwater collection, supporting the sustainability goals of the project. This design not only provides ample daylight for interior spaces but also contributes to water conservation, maintaining a pleasant environment for residents.

Spatial Configuration and Flexibility

Inside, the layout is characterized by varying elevations, which create multifunctional spaces that can adapt to user needs. Sliding doors enhance privacy and help reconfigure areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and common spaces. The raised sections also serve as practical storage solutions, accommodating water tanks and appliances, making the space both versatile and functional.

Materiality and Construction

The materials used in mi.AL.syst reflect a focus on sustainability and practicality. Fabric pots with a drip irrigation system ensure effective plant care, while OSB panels provide structural support in folding window systems. Wooden floor framing supports elevated platforms, enhancing storage capacity. Recycled metal sheets are used for the sloped roof, demonstrating the importance of material reuse and environmental awareness.

Innovation is evident in design details, such as the evolving facade that transforms as the algae grow. This highlights an approach to architecture that draws on living systems, creating an engaging relationship between built forms and the natural environment.

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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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