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Perforated Metal Mesh and Kingspan Panels in Flexible Community Housing Solutions

Authors:
Andrei Tintari, Valeria Noaghea
Perforated Metal Mesh and Kingspan Panels in Flexible Community Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

Utilizing perforated metal mesh and Kingspan panels, the design creates adaptable communal living spaces that encourage interaction while addressing the complexities of modern housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Kingspan QuadCore panels for superior insulation and energy efficiency.
02
Features perforated metal walkways that enhance visual connectivity between spaces.
03
Incorporates semi-public courtyards designed for shared community activities.
04
Employs flexible layouts allowing for easy adaptation to resident needs.
05
Integrates sustainable landscaping within communal areas to promote biodiversity.

## Overview

The "Unfolding" project is situated in Romania and addresses significant global challenges, including economic migration and social isolation. Its intent is to design adaptable living spaces that facilitate community interaction while incorporating sustainable and functional materials. By focusing on communal living environments, the project aims to create a balance between shared experiences and private needs.

### Spatial Strategy

The architectural layout prioritizes community engagement through the incorporation of collective housing courtyards, semi-public pathways, and adaptable housing units. Each housing unit features flexible layouts that can be modified for various functions, promoting versatility for residents. Transparent facades enhance natural light and visual connection with communal spaces, contributing to a cohesive living environment. The courtyards serve as focal points for social interaction, with landscaped areas designed for relaxation and shared facilities that encourage diverse activities. Semi-public walkways facilitate varying levels of interaction, maintaining a delicate balance between community connectivity and individual privacy.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The materials chosen for the "Unfolding" project emphasize sustainability and practicality. Kingspan QuadCore LEC panels are employed for insulation and energy efficiency, thereby reducing the environmental footprint. Plywood panels offer versatility and warmth, while perforated metal mesh is utilized for both structure and aesthetic appeal, allowing light permeation. The steel framework provides structural integrity, supporting the modular design of the housing units. These choices reflect a commitment to eco-friendly practices, ensuring that the project addresses contemporary environmental concerns while fostering a sustainable living environment.

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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
competition now

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