Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Local Wood and Removable Panels in Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Nathan Guillaume, Adam Bruno, Noulin Justine
Local Wood and Removable Panels in Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Constructed primarily with local wood and incorporating removable panels for adaptability, the micro-home offers a sustainable living solution that promotes flexibility in urban environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with local wood to enhance environmental connection.
02
Removable wall panels allow for flexible interior arrangements.
03
Designed for year-round adaptability to seasonal changes.
04
Focuses on multifunctionality to maximize small living space.
05
Emphasizes community engagement within urban settings.

Upcycle is an innovative micro-home designed to respond to the need for sustainable living in urban areas. Located in a community-focused environment, it promotes a lifestyle that merges modern convenience with simplicity. The overall design concept is centered on adaptability and modularity, allowing the space to change according to the needs of its occupants.

Modularity and Efficiency

The architecture of Upcycle relies on modular components, which provide an efficient layout that makes the most of limited space. The design includes a basic structure, side panels, and an inner box that incorporates essential furniture. This setup reduces complexity in construction while creating a flexible living space that can cater to various functions.

Material Considerations

Local wood is the main material used for the inner box, fostering a connection to the surrounding environment. This choice reflects a commitment to sustainability by minimizing transport emissions and supporting local economies. The wood's natural beauty adds warmth to the interior, making the living space both inviting and practical.

Adaptability and Functionality

Adaptability is one of the key aspects of Upcycle. The design allows occupants to customize their living areas to fit personal tastes and seasonal changes. Removable wall panels offer different layout options, making it easy to create a compact kitchen, a creative workspace, or a social gathering spot. This flexibility helps the micro-home meet diverse lifestyle needs without sacrificing comfort.

Integration of Technology

Upcycle embraces technology to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. Features such as thermal insulation work alongside natural resource systems for heating and power generation. These elements support the goal of reducing the ecological footprint. Additionally, the design promotes seasonal adaptability, enabling effective airflow and temperature control throughout the year, which improves overall comfort.

The living space in Upcycle encourages a sense of community while providing a practical environment for daily activities. Thoughtful details are visible in the multifunctional areas, tailored to support various uses. Ample windows allow natural light to fill the rooms, creating a bright atmosphere and inviting the outdoors inside. This focus on connection with nature aligns with principles of sustainable living, making Upcycle a relevant option for modern housing.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy