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Modular Housing Integrated with Solar Tiles and Eco-Bricks for Urban Living

Author:
Vladimir Nikitin
Modular Housing Integrated with Solar Tiles and Eco-Bricks for Urban Living

Project in-detail

Combining eco-bricks and Tesla solar tiles, this modular housing solution redefines urban living by promoting sustainability and affordability through adaptable residential units.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Tesla solar tiles to enhance energy efficiency within the residential units.
02
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for sustainable water management.
03
Features a central courtyard designed to foster community interaction among residents.
04
Employs modular construction methods for flexible living arrangements tailored to diverse family needs.
05
Integrates eco-bricks and hardwood cladding to promote durability and low maintenance.

### Overview

The Innovative House project is located in Alexandria, New South Wales, an area undergoing urban revitalization with a focus on increasing affordable housing options. The design objective prioritizes the creation of adaptable residential spaces that cater to diverse family structures, while fostering community interactions and promoting sustainable living practices.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement

This project employs modular construction techniques, allowing for a range of living configurations from studios to three-bedroom apartments. The architectural layout includes a central courtyard that serves as a communal hub, facilitating social engagement and recreational activities among residents. Ground-floor spaces are designated for retail and café use, enhancing walkability and contributing to a vibrant street life. The building heights, ranging from five to seven stories, are designed to integrate with the existing urban fabric, maximizing visual interest and accessibility.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection focuses on eco-friendly options to ensure durability and environmental performance. The use of PGH Red Smooth Bricks and Livingston Gold Dry Pressed Bricks provides structural robustness, while hardwood cladding enhances the aesthetic. Incorporating Tesla Solar Roof tiles supports on-site energy generation, aligning with the project's sustainability goals. Additional features include rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and smart home technology for energy management, reinforcing the commitment to both livability and environmental stewardship.

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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
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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