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 with Insulated Panels and Cross-Ventilation Strategies

Author:
Justin Mallia
Modular Living with Insulated Panels and Cross-Ventilation Strategies

Project in-detail

With a focus on modularity and the effective use of insulated panels, the design integrates cross-ventilation strategies to enhance energy efficiency while providing adaptable living spaces for diverse families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for flexible reconfiguration of living spaces.
02
Integrated landscaped interface enhances privacy and outdoor engagement.
03
Energy efficiency achieved through optimized cross-ventilation strategies.
04
Prefabricated insulated panels facilitate quick and sustainable construction.
05
Adaptable layouts support single-family and multi-unit living scenarios.

A modular and adaptable residential design is situated within a suburban context. The focus is on creating efficient and flexible living spaces that accommodate a variety of family sizes and functions. The concept revolves around a central core for services, surrounded by flexible areas that can adjust to meet the residents' needs. This approach allows for both single-family homes and multi-unit arrangements on a single lot, making optimal use of available land and fostering a sense of community.

Orientation and Natural Light

The layout emphasizes careful orientation to make the most of natural light and ventilation. North-facing windows are designed to capture solar heat, while south-facing openings provide daylight without excessive heat. This thoughtful arrangement enhances energy efficiency and contributes to the overall comfort of the living spaces. The façades are designed to blend well with the surroundings, encouraging a connection between the home and its environment.

Material Selection

Prefabricated insulated panels form a key part of the design, aligning with modern practices in sustainable building. These panels not only provide structural support and thermal insulation but also allow for quick assembly and reduced waste during construction. The choice of materials supports the goal of creating a climate-responsive home, minimizing energy use while ensuring durability and low costs.

Landscaped Interface

An important aspect of the design is the landscaped area that links indoor and outdoor spaces. This feature offers sunlight control, privacy, and protection from insects, enhancing the home's livability. The outdoor space adds to the visual appeal and encourages people to spend time outside, strengthening ties with the neighborhood.

Automated Systems and Adaptability

The design includes automated systems that promote cross-ventilation and regulate indoor climate, improving the living experience. Simple sensors and operable panels help manage energy use effectively. Each living unit is adaptable; over time, residents can change layouts from single-bedroom spaces to multi-functional areas. This flexibility meets the evolving needs of families and supports various uses, like home offices, in a practical manner.

With these elements combined, the design takes a comprehensive approach to modern living. It addresses the challenges of suburban life while emphasizing sustainability and adaptability in the built environment.

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

`
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

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