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Modular Housing Emphasizing Double-Glazing and Vibrant Façade for Community Resilience

Authors:
Artem Radin, Nigel Ray Macias, Hiroki Richard Mishima
Modular Housing Emphasizing Double-Glazing and Vibrant Façade for Community Resilience

Project in-detail

Integrating modular housing with vibrant double-glazing and a focus on community gardens, the design fosters resilience and wellness, ultimately serving as a safe urban refuge.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates prefabricated modular units for rapid assembly.
02
Features a central atrium design for natural ventilation and community interaction.
03
Utilizes vibrant colors to evoke positivity and enhance urban aesthetics.
04
Integrates multifunctional public spaces that double as emergency shelters.
05
Employs durable materials, including double-glazed windows for improved thermal performance.

### Overview

"My Home and Refuge" is situated in an urban context characterized by socio-economic challenges, aiming to revitalize its environment through a thoughtful architectural approach. The design prioritizes emotional recovery and community engagement while addressing safety concerns. Key features include modular construction, vibrant color schemes, and multifunctional public areas, all crafted to enhance security and community interaction.

### Spatial Strategy

The project employs a modular unit system that allows for prefabrication and flexible configurations, supporting swift assembly on-site. Central to the layout is an atrium designed to facilitate natural ventilation and act as a communal space, thereby promoting social interaction among residents. The arrangement of residential units incorporates balconies, enhancing private outdoor spaces while fostering neighborly connections. Emergency preparedness is also integrated, with the inclusion of bomb shelters that serve multiple functions and minimize the stigma typically associated with such facilities.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials focuses on durability, aesthetic appeal, and practical functionality. Reinforced steel forms the structural framework, while plywood and gypsum board are utilized for interior finishes, providing warmth and ease of assembly. The design includes double-glazed windows for improved thermal insulation and enhanced views, alongside concrete panels for robust load-bearing capabilities. Sustainable practices are evident through the incorporation of communal gardens and playgrounds, promoting ecological awareness and community well-being. Bright colors are purposefully chosen to create an uplifting atmosphere, transforming the perception of safety into an inviting experience.

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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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