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Living Spaces Within A Metal Exoskeleton Designed For Wind Energy Utilization

Author:
Antoine Henri Guy Chauvin
Living Spaces Within A Metal Exoskeleton Designed For Wind Energy Utilization

Project in-detail

A central wind turbine serves as both a power generator and living space, constructed with a metal exoskeleton and insulated panels to create a sustainable community environment that prioritizes energy efficiency and adaptability.
5 key facts about this project
01
A central wind turbine functions as both an energy generator and living space.
02
Insulated panels enhance thermal efficiency while offering ease of construction.
03
Metal exoskeleton design provides structural stability and support.
04
Natural stone landscaping creates a seamless connection between the built environment and nature.
05
Flexible interior spaces allow for adaptive use and communal interaction.

### Project Overview

Located in a community facing the challenges of climate change and energy insecurity, this architectural initiative emphasizes resilience and sustainability through innovative design. Central to the concept is a 2MW wind turbine that serves as both an energy source and a living space, addressing the community's needs for self-sufficiency and renewable resource utilization. The project aims to redefine communal living by integrating energy production directly into the residential framework, fostering a model that reduces dependency on conventional power sources.

### Spatial Organization and Community Integration

The design exhibits a harmonious blend of modern aesthetics and traditional agricultural elements, with the wind turbine centrally positioned and surrounded by functional housing. This layout cultivates a sense of community and connectivity, while also respecting the local context. The landscape intertwines natural features such as stone and vegetation, reinforcing the coexistence of technology and nature. The turbine’s dual function not only supports energy needs but also provides living quarters for caretakers, facilitating direct engagement with the structure.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project employs a strategic choice of materials, marrying contemporary engineering with traditional influences. Kingspan LEC insulated panels form the internal framework, offering thermal efficiency and ease of assembly, while a metal exoskeleton ensures stability. The incorporation of raw natural stones in the landscape further enhances the design's connection to its environment. Sustainability is paramount; the wind turbine generates an average of 4,200 MWh annually, significantly addressing local energy requirements and serving as a practical reference for similar rural developments.

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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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