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Lunar Habitat Utilizing Silica Glass and Arboskin Near Peary Crater

Author:
James Jung
Lunar Habitat Utilizing Silica Glass and Arboskin Near Peary Crater

Project in-detail

Utilizing lunar regolith and silica glass to withstand the harsh environment, the habitat designed near Peary Crater serves as a research and communication hub for humanity's exploration of extraterrestrial life.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes lunar regolith for construction materials and radiation protection.
02
Features Gene Storage Vaults for preserving genetic information and data.
03
Incorporates silica glass to enhance structural integrity and visibility.
04
Strategically located near Peary Crater to access potential water resources.
05
Includes tiered layout for efficient movement and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The COSMOS project is designed to create a second human settlement on the moon, located near the Peary Crater. Its purpose is to support scientific research and encourage potential communication with extraterrestrial life. The overall design emphasizes humanity's achievements, positioning the pavilion as a connection point for understanding and collaboration across different species.

Architectural Layout

The pavilion features a tiered layout that incorporates several functional areas. These include research laboratories, communal spaces, and observation decks. The design promotes efficient movement while fostering opportunities for interaction among occupants. It embraces an environment focused on exploration and learning, allowing occupants to engage with both the space and each other.

Material Considerations

The project uses specific materials chosen for their suitability in the lunar environment. Silica glass is selected for its transparency and structural strength. Lunar regolith serves as a primary resource for construction and offers protection from radiation. Arboskin, known for its durability, is also used. These materials are critical to ensuring the sustainability and practicality of the habitat on the moon.

Gene Storage Vaults

A central feature of the COSMOS design is the Gene Storage Vaults. These vaults store genetic DNA information as well as a wealth of human knowledge. They serve to preserve cultural memory and establish a neural network that connects Earth with future lunar settlements. This aspect underlines the importance of retaining information as humanity extends beyond its home planet.

Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is a key focus in the design, incorporating renewable energy options to allow the settlement to function independently. The pavilion's adaptable framework permits future changes and enhancements, ensuring it can accommodate new technologies and evolving requirements. This approach not only supports sustainability but also prioritizes resilience and practical functionality.

The observation decks afford expansive views of the lunar landscape. Occupants can gaze out onto the surface of the moon and reflect on the distant Earth. The design continually emphasizes the connection between humanity and the cosmos, encouraging understanding and fostering exploration.

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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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