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Off-Grid Micro Homes Utilizing Fiberglass and Wood in Tropical Landscapes

Authors:
Kaiwen Zhao, Malcolm Galang, Yangwei Gao, Xuefeng Du
Off-Grid Micro Homes Utilizing Fiberglass and Wood in Tropical Landscapes

Project in-detail

Using fiberglass and wood, the design incorporates off-grid living elements tailored for the tropical climate to provide functional micro homes for workers relocating to East Kalimantan.
5 key facts about this project
01
Uses fiberglass and wood for lightweight, sustainable construction.
02
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for self-sufficiency.
03
Designed for natural ventilation to enhance indoor comfort.
04
Elevated structure adapts to the tropical terrain of East Kalimantan.
05
Configured to provide both communal and private living spaces.

The Micro Home project situated in East Kalimantan addresses urgent housing needs due to the relocation of Indonesia's capital from Jakarta. Designed to accommodate workers involved in establishing the new capital, the project emphasizes functionality, sustainability, and adaptability. It harmonizes with the tropical landscape while offering viable living solutions for its residents.

Design Concept

The layout of the Micro Home is compact and efficient, making the most of vertical space. The first floor includes shared living areas that promote interaction among residents, while the private bedroom is located on the second floor. This arrangement balances communal living with personal privacy, responding to the diverse needs of urban residents.

Natural Ventilation

A key feature is the focus on natural ventilation, drawing inspiration from traditional Indonesian architecture. Openings are carefully positioned to enhance air flow, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout the home. This passive cooling strategy helps maintain a comfortable indoor environment while reducing the need for mechanical cooling, making it suitable for the tropical climate.

Sustainability Measures

The design incorporates off-grid features, including rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels. These elements work together to create a self-sufficient living space, promoting a responsible and sustainable lifestyle. The Micro Home meets the essential needs of its residents while aligning with environmentally friendly practices.

Materials and Construction

The structure primarily uses fiberglass and wood, materials that provide lightweight strength and durability. These choices facilitate easier transportation and assembly, reducing construction time on site. The home is elevated to adapt to the natural terrain, ensuring it fits well within the local environment without compromising functionality.

Large curtain walls are integrated into the façade, allowing abundant natural light into the interior. This design choice enhances the overall energy performance, enabling effective solar energy collection for daily use.

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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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