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Modular Living Enhanced by Vertical Gardens and Durable Concrete Construction

Authors:
Aldo Sicilia, Manuela Dangond, Felipe Guerrero
Modular Living Enhanced by Vertical Gardens and Durable Concrete Construction

Project in-detail

In response to the increasing demand for efficient housing in densely populated urban areas, the design explores a modular system that prioritizes flexibility and adaptability. It aims to optimize limited space while addressing diverse living requirements and fostering community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular capsules can be easily reconfigured to accommodate changing resident needs.
02
Vertical gardens enhance urban biodiversity and improve air quality.
03
The design incorporates a grid framework for structural efficiency and adaptability.
04
Durable concrete construction ensures longevity in high-density environments.
05
Thermoacoustic panels provide superior insulation and noise reduction.

Developed to address urban housing challenges in densely populated cities such as Hong Kong, The Capsule housing system adopts a modular approach to enhance flexibility and adaptability within limited urban spaces. The design offers a compact and efficient solution capable of accommodating varying household sizes and changing demographic needs.

Modular Design and Spatial Flexibility
The system is based on a structural framework of core beams and columns supporting individual capsules measuring 3 by 3 meters. This grid-based configuration allows for multiple arrangements, ranging from single-occupancy units to larger family accommodations. The modularity facilitates easy reconfiguration of living spaces, providing residents the ability to adjust layouts according to evolving requirements. Communal areas are integrated to encourage social interaction and support community engagement within high-density environments.

Materiality and Sustainability
Durable materials such as concrete and steel form the primary structure, ensuring longevity and structural efficiency. Thermoacoustic panels contribute to insulation and energy conservation within the units. The design incorporates vertical gardens and green spaces that promote urban biodiversity and enhance air quality. These elements underscore the system’s emphasis on sustainable urban living while maintaining a compact footprint.

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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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