Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Metal Frame Housing With Wooden Modules and Sustainable Features

Authors:
Federica annamaria Ferrari, Elisa laura Costa
Metal Frame Housing With Wooden Modules and Sustainable Features

Project in-detail

Incorporating a robust metal frame with flexible wooden modules, the design addresses urban housing needs through sustainable features and communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular configuration allows for tailored living solutions.
02
Public areas foster community interaction among residents.
03
Energy independence through integrated photovoltaic systems.
04
Rainwater harvesting promotes efficient resource use.
05
Facades designed for varying transparency enhance natural light.

The "PLUG AND LIVE" project addresses the housing issues in London by introducing a modular design focused on affordable and adaptable living spaces. Situated in an urban environment, the project aims to create flexible housing solutions for various groups, including families and individuals who want proximity to city life and natural surroundings. The design concept emphasizes community and sustainability while integrating seamlessly with the existing urban fabric.

Modular Framework

A lightweight metal frame forms the backbone of the design, supporting individual housing modules and creating shared public areas. This structure not only ensures stability but also enhances interaction among residents. The layout allows for customization, enabling housing configurations that suit the specific needs of users, thereby fostering a sense of belonging in the urban setting.

Housing Typologies

The design includes three types of housing units: a 25 sqm module for individuals or students, a 50 sqm unit suitable for small families, and a 100 sqm option designed for larger groups. This array of typologies meets a range of housing needs, making it easier for residents to find an appropriate living space within the densely populated city.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key consideration in each housing module. Each unit is equipped to be energetically independent, incorporating systems for solar energy collection and rainwater harvesting. The design also includes domestic heat pumps and air-conditioning units. These features contribute to efficient resource management and address contemporary demands for environmentally responsible living.

Facade Design

Each module's facade offers varied levels of transparency, with glass elements that enhance natural light. This design choice improves the quality of indoor spaces while maintaining a connection to the outside environment. The result is an architectural style that is both functional and aesthetically engaging, reflecting the needs of modern urban inhabitants.

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
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