Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Modular Living Spaces Enhanced by 3D Printed Concrete and Recycled Materials

Author:
Marvin Bratke
Modular Living Spaces Enhanced by 3D Printed Concrete and Recycled Materials

Project in-detail

Crafted from modular components and 3D printed concrete, this design integrates adaptable living spaces with recycled materials to create an accessible community housing solution.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes 3D printing technology for efficient and precise construction.
02
Employs modular design to allow for customizable living configurations.
03
Integrates recycled materials to enhance sustainability and reduce waste.
04
Features communal gardens designed to promote resident interaction.
05
Incorporates smart home technology for energy management and efficiency.

### Project Overview

Located in Austin, Texas, the design aims to address the pressing challenges in the housing market by providing scalable and affordable homes. Scheduled for completion in 2024, it emphasizes sustainable, customizable, and accessible housing solutions through innovative architectural strategies and community-focused planning.

### Architectural Configuration

The project features a series of modular units that can be arranged in diverse configurations to support communal living while ensuring personal privacy. Central to this adaptability is the “Kit of Parts,” consisting of standardized components that can be combined in various ways to suit different household sizes and user preferences. This design strategy not only fosters flexibility but also promotes an environment conducive to social connectivity among residents.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Primary materials include 3D-printed concrete for durability, wood for interior finishes, and glass to enhance natural light and connectivity with outdoor spaces. Energy efficiency is a key consideration, with high-performance insulation and windows integrated into the design. Water recycling systems are also included to promote low-impact living. The use of recycled materials wherever possible further minimizes the ecological footprint of the development, aligning with contemporary sustainability goals in architecture.

The project follows a structured design process involving community engagement from the outset. Stakeholder input informs key design decisions, while digital tools assist in visualizing potential layouts. Advanced 3D printing technology facilitates efficient construction of housing parts, reducing both labor costs and build time. Each unit incorporates smart home capabilities for effective energy management, reflecting a commitment to modern living standards and resource efficiency.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`

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
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy