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Modular Structures Crafted with Polycarbonate and Steel for Sustainable Temporary Living

Authors:
Rasha Bowirrat, Hanan Tanasra
Modular Structures Crafted with Polycarbonate and Steel for Sustainable Temporary Living

Project in-detail

Constructed from durable polycarbonate and steel, this modular housing solution offers rapid deployment and efficient living spaces tailored for temporary communities in refugee settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed for rapid assembly, allowing quick relocation in emergency situations.
02
Incorporates solar panels to enhance energy efficiency in transitional living environments.
03
Uses polycarbonate for walls, optimizing natural light while ensuring weather protection.
04
Designed with adaptable configurations to accommodate diverse family structures.
05
Features efficient water recycling systems to address resource management in temporary settings.
The "Pack It Up" project is an architectural initiative designed to address the pressing need for temporary housing solutions in refugee contexts. This residential design emphasizes modularity and adaptability, providing micro-homes that cater to the diverse needs of displaced individuals. The project aims to create livable spaces that promote community interaction while ensuring quick assembly and mobility, essential for transient populations.

Modular Architecture for Flexibility

One of the defining features of the "Pack It Up" project is its modular architecture. Each unit operates as an independent module that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing for rapid deployment in response to emergencies. The design accommodates various living arrangements, making it suitable for individuals, families, or communal groups. This flexibility permits diverse configurations, ensuring that residents can customize their living space according to personal needs and preferences.

The project incorporates essential living elements, including designated sleeping areas, workspaces, and communal zones. Each unit is outfitted with practical amenities that enhance functionality, enabling residents to maintain a semblance of normalcy amidst challenging circumstances. These configurations foster a sense of belonging within temporary settings, encouraging social cohesion among occupants.

Sustainable Material Selection

The choice of materials in the "Pack It Up" project reflects a commitment to sustainability and practicality. Key materials include polyurethane insulation foam, which provides effective thermal regulation; polycarbonate panels that enable natural light ingress while offering weather protection; and lightweight steel profiles that ensure structural integrity without compromising mobility. The integration of rooftop solar panels for energy generation enhances the overall efficiency of each unit, while water recycling systems address critical water management issues commonly faced in refugee environments.

Efficient use of resources is an essential aspect of this design. Every element is purpose-driven, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximizing habitability. This approach combines functionality with sustainability, making the housing units viable for long-term use in demanding conditions.

Community-Centric Design

A unique aspect of the "Pack It Up" project is its focus on fostering community interactions. The design considers shared spaces that promote neighborly relations and collective activities, crucial in creating a supportive environment for displaced individuals. By allowing units to connect, the project transforms individual shelters into cohesive living communities.

The overall architectural strategy emphasizes interaction and belonging, which are vital for psychological well-being in transitional living circumstances. Architecturally, the arrangement of these units aims to encourage social engagement while providing functional living spaces.

The "Pack It Up" project encapsulates a thoughtful response to the challenges faced by those in temporary housing situations. Its modular design, sustainable material choices, and community-centric approach set it apart from other similar projects. To explore this project further, consider examining the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas that underpin its construction. Detailed insights into the design can enhance understanding of its innovative approach to temporary housing solutions.
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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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