Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

MDF Micro-Homes Featuring Sustainable Insulation and Communal Spaces for Refugee Housing

Author:
Zuzanna Denysiuk
MDF Micro-Homes Featuring Sustainable Insulation and Communal Spaces for Refugee Housing

Project in-detail

With modular MDF construction and a focus on sustainable insulation, this micro-home initiative creates adaptable communal spaces that serve as vital housing solutions for displaced individuals.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for easy expansion and adaptation based on family needs.
02
Incorporates sustainable insulation materials to enhance energy efficiency.
03
Open-plan layout fosters communal living and social interaction among residents.
04
Utilizes medium-density fiberboard (MDF) for structural components, ensuring affordability.
05
Integration of passive cooling techniques to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without energy costs.
The architectural project "The Beggining" addresses the pressing issue of housing for refugees and displaced populations. This micro-home design emerges from the need for minimal yet functional living spaces that emphasize community and personalization. The project serves a dual purpose: it provides shelter while promoting a sense of belonging in environments often characterized by instability and transience.

The design of "The Beggining" is grounded in the understanding that architecture can play a vital role in the overall well-being of individuals and communities. By creating adaptable spaces that can grow with the needs of their inhabitants, this project aims to pave the way for enhanced quality of life amid challenging circumstances. The project illustrates a profound commitment to addressing socio-economic challenges through thoughtful architectural solutions.

One of the defining features of the project is its modular design, which allows individual units to be configured in various ways. This flexibility means that families can easily modify their homes as their size and needs evolve, fostering a sense of ownership and stability. The spaces are thoughtfully organized, with an open-plan living area that incorporates kitchen and communal spaces. This layout encourages social interaction among occupants, essential for building connections and support networks in a refugee context.

Materiality is another significant aspect of "The Beggining." The project utilizes sustainable and readily available materials such as medium-density fiberboard (MDF) for its structural components and recyclable insulation materials to enhance energy efficiency. These choices reflect a commitment to minimizing environmental impact while also supporting local economies by employing easily sourced resources. The finishes are selected to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, creating a home-like environment that contrasts with the often impersonal nature of traditional temporary shelters.

A key aspect of the design is its responsiveness to the local climate. The project employs passive cooling techniques, such as cross ventilation and strategically placed windows, to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures without relying heavily on artificial cooling systems. In this way, "The Beggining" demonstrates an understanding of the interplay between architecture and environmental context, providing a model for sustainable housing solutions.

Moreover, the design emphasizes hygiene and sustainability, critical factors in improving living conditions in refugee settings. Thoughtful integration of operational systems for waste management and clean water ensures that the basic needs of the inhabitants are met, contributing to their overall health and well-being. The layout considers communal living, allowing for shared spaces that foster interaction and a sense of community among residents. This focus on community-building is essential in mitigating feelings of isolation that often accompany refugee experiences.

Unique to "The Beggining" is its potential for expansion. As families grow or their circumstances change, the homes can adapt accordingly, allowing inhabitants to modify their living spaces without the need for relocation. This characteristic supports long-term stability and reinforces the idea of a permanent home, rather than a transient shelter. Connection to nature is also a vital element of the design, with outdoor spaces that encourage gardening and provide areas for relaxation. This integration with the natural environment plays a role in promoting mental health, a crucial component for individuals dealing with trauma.

As you explore the presentation of "The Beggining," consider delving into the architectural plans, sections, and overall designs that contribute to this thoughtful project. The architectural ideas embedded within this micro-home reflect a sincere effort to address the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, showcasing how design can facilitate not only shelter but also community resilience and personal growth. This project exemplifies how architecture can serve as a powerful tool for social change, advocating for the need for innovative housing solutions that cater to the realities of modern displacement.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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