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Modular Housing System Featuring Cyclical Renewal Principles

Authors:
Michael O'reilly, Jingsi Sun, Yingying Zhou
Modular Housing System Featuring Cyclical Renewal Principles

Project in-detail

A modular housing system incorporates cyclical renewal principles, allowing for efficient adaptation and sustainability while addressing urban living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular grid structure allows flexible arrangements based on site dimensions.
02
Cyclical renewal method inspired by traditional practices ensures longevity.
03
Individual module replacement minimizes disruption to the overall system.
04
Quick assembly process reduces on-site construction time significantly.
05
Customization options foster personal connections between residents and spaces.

The project presents a modular housing system that is based on the principles of Metabolism. It aims to tackle the challenges of urban living by introducing a design that is adaptable to various geographic settings, whether urban, suburban, or rural. The focus lies on creating a sustainable and efficient environment for residents, with configurations that effectively meet diverse housing needs.

Modular Design
The design incorporates an innovative grid structure made up of 8m modules. This modularity allows for flexible arrangements according to site dimensions and density requirements. Each module operates independently, which means they can be replaced or maintained without affecting the overall building. This approach enhances efficiency and provides a potential solution for issues like housing shortages and rising costs.

Cyclical Renewal
A key aspect of the design is the concept of cyclical renewal, inspired by the practice of rebuilding the Ise Shrine every 20 years. This method allows for ongoing updates and repairs, preserving the architectural integrity while accommodating changing community needs. The focus is on replacing smaller components instead of entire systems, which supports a model of growth that resembles natural development.

Efficient Assembly
The project features an interface designed to facilitate quick assembly of the modules. This design reduces on-site construction time and allows for off-site manufacturing of parts, resulting in a more efficient building process. By simplifying the assembly, it lowers both lead times and costs, making the housing solution more accessible.

Customization
Residents are encouraged to personalize their living spaces, choosing from various modular options. This customization fosters a closer connection between the occupants and their homes. It also helps to minimize waste by allowing tailored selections that meet individual needs.

The overall design results in a modular housing solution that emphasizes flexibility and durability, featuring an organized layout that adapts to its surroundings while considering the practical needs of its users.

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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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