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Modular Housing Crafted from Repurposed Shipping Containers with Integrated Solar Solutions

Author:
Volkan Hüseyi̇n Mercan
Modular Housing Crafted from Repurposed Shipping Containers with Integrated Solar Solutions

Project in-detail

Built from repurposed shipping containers, this modular housing solution integrates renewable solar energy systems and adaptable layouts, providing efficient and sustainable living spaces for urban communities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes repurposed shipping containers as structural elements.
02
Incorporates solar panels for energy independence.
03
Features customizable modular layouts for diverse living needs.
04
Designed for rapid assembly and relocation in disaster recovery.
05
Integrates communal outdoor spaces to enhance community interaction.

### Overview
The Dream Pods Project introduces a modular housing solution aimed at addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in urban off-grid areas. Located in regions vulnerable to natural disasters, the project reimagines traditional housing using modified shipping containers as modular units that can be easily assembled and adapted to meet individual and environmental requirements.

### Modular Configuration and Space Optimization
The design incorporates a system of modular pods, each measuring 2.7 square meters, allowing for configurations that can accommodate varying household sizes. The minimum living space is set at 18.9 square meters with the use of seven pods, creating an efficient layout that balances personal privacy and communal areas. A proposed cluster arrangement of nine pods totals 24.3 square meters, strategically designed to integrate with surrounding landscapes and facilitate social interaction through communal gardens and shared spaces.

### Sustainable Material Usage
Sustainability is a core principle of the project, reflected in the material choices and building methods. Primary structural components are repurposed shipping containers, which offer durability as well as resistance to environmental stresses. The design includes solar panels on pod roofs to promote energy independence, while high-performance insulation materials ensure reduced energy costs for heating and cooling. Weather-resistant facades protect against harsh conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability throughout the structure's lifespan.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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