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Magnetic Joint Connections and Fiber-Reinforced Walls for Flexible Emergency Shelters

Author:
Kim Taeyun
Magnetic Joint Connections and Fiber-Reinforced Walls for Flexible Emergency Shelters

Project in-detail

Utilizing magnetic joint connections and Fiber-Reinforced Plastic panels, the design creates a flexible and sustainable shelter solution that can adapt to the immediate needs of displaced populations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Magnetic joints allow for quick assembly and disassembly of the structure.
02
Fiber-Reinforced Plastic panels provide enhanced strength and insulation properties.
03
Adaptable foundation system accommodates various ground conditions, including seismic zones.
04
Foldable roofing design enables efficient transportation and storage.
05
Integrated rainwater harvesting system supports sustainable water usage in emergencies.

# Analytical Report on the P.O.D (Portable On-site Dwelling) Architectural Project

## Overview

The P.O.D (Portable On-site Dwelling) project proposes a modular shelter solution aimed at addressing the needs of displaced populations resulting from natural disasters and armed conflicts. Located in areas vulnerable to such crises, the project seeks to provide adaptable, fully functional living spaces that cater to a variety of environmental conditions and user requirements. By emphasizing a balance between immediate humanitarian response and long-term habitation, the design operates within a conceptual framework that prioritizes flexibility and comprehensive user needs.

## Structural and Material Considerations

### Modular Design and Construction

The structural integrity of the P.O.D is achieved through a weaving system of straight beams and magnetic joints that enhance rigidity. The beams are customizable in length (standard at 980 mm, adjustable down to 420 mm), ensuring adaptability based on specific site conditions and user preferences. The primary wall panels are fabricated from Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP), with insulation provided by polyurethane foam and rubber sheets to minimize thermal transfer, promoting a comfortable indoor climate. Foundations employ the EasyPAD model, allowing for various types, including options resistant to earthquakes, enhancing durability in potentially hazardous areas.

### Sustainable Integration

The roofing system features foldable structures that facilitate transportation and storage, equipped with systems for rainwater harvesting and solar panel installation. This enables sustainable practices by generating electricity and collecting water, essential for off-grid living. The interior layout follows an open-plan concept that maximizes spatial efficiency, allowing users to customize the functional arrangement based on their needs. Pre-installed plumbing and electrical systems include adaptable features, such as extractable battery packs and options for dual water supply through either rainwater harvesting or direct sourcing.

## Customization and Community Impact

### Individualized User Experience

The P.O.D's design prioritizes customizability, enabling residents to create living spaces tailored to their specific family needs. Modular extensions allow users to incorporate additional rooms or functions without necessitating major modifications to the original structure. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and personal engagement with the living environment, distinguishing the P.O.D from traditional housing solutions.

### Sociocultural Dynamics

The capacity for P.O.D units to be assembled into larger communities promotes social interaction and support networks among residents. This communal aspect is essential not only for emotional well-being but also for facilitating organization and resource sharing during emergencies. The design empowers users to actively participate in the construction and ongoing customization of their shelters, reinforcing agency and resilience in challenging circumstances.

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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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