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Modular Living Spaces with Recyclable Materials Integrated into Urban Contexts

Author:
Malin Jenny Maria Persson
Modular Living Spaces with Recyclable Materials Integrated into Urban Contexts

Project in-detail

Crafted from recyclable materials and designed for seamless integration into urban environments, this modular housing solution optimizes compact living while addressing contemporary residential needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from 100% recyclable materials, enhancing sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetics.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural integrity and thermal efficiency.
04
Designed to attach seamlessly to existing urban infrastructure, optimizing space use.
05
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to maximize internal volume while maintaining a compact footprint.

### Project Overview
The housing solution utilizes modular construction techniques to enhance urban living by repurposing existing spaces. Located in diverse city environments, including alongside stone walls, beneath bridges, and along busy streets, the design prioritizes utility while addressing the growing demand for affordable housing in densely populated areas. The focus is on creating adaptable living units that integrate well into their surroundings.

### Spatial Organization and Functional Design
The internal layout of the modular units has been carefully crafted to maximize space efficiency and enhance user experience. Each unit includes a living area, kitchenette, bathroom, and dedicated storage, all designed to support compact, multifunctional lifestyles. Notable features include a modular kitchen that accommodates essential cooking needs and a versatile living space that can adapt to leisure or work activities. The design promotes flexibility, allowing the units to function as residences, temporary living solutions, or supplementary spaces for larger buildings, addressing various demographic needs.

### Material and Sustainability Considerations
Sustainability is a foundational aspect of the design, with materials selected for their environmental impact and functionality. Key materials include steel for structural integrity, recycled glass for windows, and engineered wood for internal furnishings, all of which enhance the unit's durability while promoting eco-friendly construction practices. The use of insulation materials ensures energy efficiency, aligning with the goal of minimizing the environmental footprint. These choices reinforce the project's commitment to constructing living spaces that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also responsible towards the environment.

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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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