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Modular Living Through Personalized Open-Frame Structures

Author:
Travis Rukamp
Modular Living Through Personalized Open-Frame Structures

Project in-detail

Open-frame structures allow for personalized infill, creating adaptable homes that reflect individual identities within a densely populated urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular framework promotes individual customization for each homeowner.
02
Open-frame design supports flexible infill options over time.
03
Encourages community interaction while maintaining private spaces.
04
Clear workflow simplifies the construction process for residents.
05
Adaptable design offers layers of interaction within an urban context.

"Quirky in Ordinary: Modular Housing" emphasizes personal expression through flexible modular design. Located in an urban area where similar housing typically dominates, the proposal aims to create living spaces that showcase the unique identities of their occupants. The design features a kit-of-parts approach, allowing for customization and adaptability throughout the lifespan of each home.

Modular Framework

An open-frame structure serves as the basis for the design, encouraging personalization. Homeowners have the opportunity to modify their units, infilling spaces according to their own needs and preferences. This versatility fosters a relationship between occupants and their living spaces, highlighting interaction that continues long after construction is complete.

Interaction and Community

The design includes multiple levels—roof, mid, and ground—that integrate into the urban surroundings. This layout not only uses space efficiently but also promotes interaction among residents, creating chances for community connection while maintaining private areas. By designing inviting shared spaces, the project enhances social engagement and contributes to a lively environment for all.

Process and Accessibility

A clear workflow for homeowners is an important part of the design. Each step, from buying a lot to ordering and assembling modular parts, is outlined to simplify the construction process. This process allows individuals to actively participate in shaping their living spaces. The goal is to make housing accessible and more manageable for everyone.

The final design offers opportunities for residents to add their personal touches, allowing the facades to change over time according to individual choices. These modifications not only enrich the overall character of the neighborhood but also highlight the uniqueness of each unit, serving as a reminder of the diverse inhabitants who call it home.

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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

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