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Mobile Facades and Galvanized Steel Cabins for Flexible Community Living

Authors:
Francisco javier Fernández garcía, Carlos Montes gonzález
Mobile Facades and Galvanized Steel Cabins for Flexible Community Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with mobile facades and galvanized steel, these adaptable cabins provide a flexible living space for community engagement and meditation within a natural setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Adaptable cabins feature mobile facades that allow users to control light and privacy.
02
The design incorporates galvanized steel for durability and low maintenance.
03
Community spaces encourage interaction while offering various levels of privacy.
04
Rainwater collection systems support sustainable resource management.
05
Internal finishes utilize natural pine wood for a warm living environment.

The project follows an open-source design philosophy aimed at improving the relationship between people and their environments. Positioned in a peaceful setting, it functions as a space for reflection and meditation. The concept emphasizes adaptability and seeks to blend the built environment with nature. Flexible layouts allow the use of each space to change with the needs and preferences of its occupants.

Design Integration

The structure has multiple layers, each serving specific purposes while maintaining coherence. It features an overarching roof and structural frameworks with facades that occupants can adjust for privacy or connection to the outdoors. This tiered arrangement promotes easy movement between indoor areas and the nature outside, enriching the experience for those within.

Adaptive Components

A notable aspect is the supportive infrastructure that allows customization rather than sticking to a set layout. The design adopts an open system approach, permitting changes based on individual requirements. This ensures that the cabins can adapt to various activities over time, enhancing their usefulness. The living approach cultivates a relationship with the natural setting, creating a dynamic environment that evolves with its users.

Sustainability Measures

A strong emphasis on sustainability is evident in the use of water management systems and efficient energy solutions. Solar panels provide hot water, while rainwater collection systems help in resource management. Wastewater is redirected for non-drinking purposes within the community, supporting ecological practices. The addition of solar panels contributes to energy independence, minimizing the reliance on outside power sources.

Material Considerations

While materials are not described in detail, the project includes practical elements that enhance both function and aesthetics. Internal surfaces are finished with natural pine wood, creating a warm environment. The exterior uses galvanized steel, providing durability and long-lasting protection. Safety glass in the facades allows ample natural light while ensuring structural soundness. The use of corrugated galvanized steel panels on movable tracks enables occupants to adjust light levels and privacy as needed.

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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
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