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Modular Living With Reinforced Concrete And Sustainable Energy Solutions

Authors:
Walter Hughes, Maria ines Morato
Modular Living With Reinforced Concrete And Sustainable Energy Solutions

Project in-detail

With a focus on reinforced concrete and an innovative rainwater harvesting system, this modular home design prioritizes sustainability and flexibility, catering to contemporary residential needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for easy expansion and customization based on homeowner needs.
02
Integrated rainwater harvesting system enhances resource efficiency.
03
Solar energy system supports reduced energy costs and promotes sustainability.
04
Natural ventilation strategy improves indoor air quality and comfort.
05
Adaptable stacking options cater to various urban contexts and site conditions.

The modular home concept emphasizes adaptability and personalization, addressing the diverse needs of modern living. Situated in an urban environment, it blends functionality with the idea of community. The design encompasses a dynamic approach to home life, encouraging residents to shape their spaces according to individual preferences while also fostering connections among neighbors.

Modular Structure

The design unfolds in three structured phases. It begins with a reinforced concrete slab that acts as the solid foundation. This base includes structural columns that will support the upper module, ensuring the stability of the whole structure. After establishing the groundwork, the lower-level module is placed, creating an initial living space ripe for customization. Finally, the addition of the upper-level module opens up possibilities for future growth and expansion.

Sustainable Systems

Sustainability is a key focus throughout the design. A rainwater harvesting system is integrated, allowing water to be collected from the roof and channeled through gutters into storage barrels. This practice not only enhances efficiency but encourages resource conservation. Additionally, the project includes a solar energy system with photovoltaic panels that capture sunlight. These panels convert light into usable electricity, while any surplus energy can be returned to the grid.

Ventilation Strategy

Natural ventilation plays an important role in maintaining comfort and air quality inside the home. The design employs a strategy where wind is used to draw cool air into the shaded lower area of the module. This process allows warmer air to escape from the upper sections. As a result, the need for mechanical cooling is lessened, promoting energy efficiency and overall comfort for the residents.

Flexible Typologies

The modular nature of the design allows for a variety of stacking options, creating flexibility in housing arrangements. These can range from single-family units to multistory structures that can accommodate three to five stories. Such adaptability means the design can effectively cater to different urban landscapes and diverse community dynamics.

Overall, the emphasis on modularity, sustainability, and personal choice results in a living environment that meets the demands of today’s households while remaining grounded in practical architectural solutions. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces allows for both individual comfort and collective interactions, which are essential in modern life.

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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
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