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Micro-Ecosystem Built With Recycled Materials and Modular Design for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Jiahn Jang, Yeonseo Park
Micro-Ecosystem Built With Recycled Materials and Modular Design for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing modular design principles and recycled materials, the habitat fosters a micro-ecosystem while providing sustainable living solutions for refugee communities in Somalia.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for flexible configurations tailored to community needs.
02
Incorporation of a micro-ecosystem enhances local biodiversity and environmental health.
03
Use of recycled materials, including engineered wood and cork, promotes sustainability.
04
Integrated passive water collection systems address water scarcity in arid conditions.
05
Natural ventilation design optimizes energy efficiency in the harsh climate.

### Project Overview
The "IN & OUT: Habitat for Livings" project is situated in Somalia, a region significantly impacted by climate change, which has led to the displacement of many individuals due to environmental crises such as droughts and floods. The initiative aims to create modular living solutions that not only meet immediate shelter needs but also enhance the ecological landscape, fostering a nurturing environment for vulnerable populations.

### Architectural Concept and Spatial Strategy
The design is rooted in principles of adaptability and ecological integration. Each modular unit is crafted to blend with the local environment while providing functional living spaces. A key focus is on resilience, employing green architecture to utilize natural resources effectively and promote biodiversity. The modular design enables configurations tailored to community needs, thus allowing for personalization and flexibility in spatial arrangement.

### Materiality and Sustainable Practices
The project incorporates a diverse array of sustainable materials suited for local conditions. This includes photovoltaic panels for solar energy, recycled plastic roofing for environmental benefits, and engineered wood glulam for structural support. Innovative features such as passive water collection systems, including fog catchers and greywater recycling, are integrated to address water sustainability in arid climates. The architecture maximizes natural ventilation and thermal mass to regulate temperatures, thereby reducing energy consumption and enhancing living conditions. Surrounding green spaces are intentionally designed to nourish biodiversity while fostering community interaction, further emphasizing the project's sustainability commitment.

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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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