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Permaculture Homes Featuring Kingspan QuadCore Panels and Community Gardens

Author:
Zuhtu Usta
Permaculture Homes Featuring Kingspan QuadCore Panels and Community Gardens

Project in-detail

Utilizing Kingspan QuadCore panels for energy efficiency, the design integrates community gardens to promote self-sufficiency while offering adaptable living spaces for modern residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Kingspan QuadCore panels for enhanced thermal efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates modular construction methods for flexible living spaces that adapt to occupants' needs.
03
Features community gardens as integral components, promoting food production and social interaction.
04
Employs natural light strategies with ample transparent surfaces to reduce energy consumption.
05
Integrates off-grid renewable energy systems to support self-sufficient living.

### Overview and Concept

Perma-Home is designed to address urban migration and encourage rural living among young professionals. The project responds to issues such as urban overcrowding and housing shortages by providing small-scale housing solutions that emphasize self-sufficiency, community engagement, and sustainable practices. The design is rooted in permaculture principles, aiming to create a living environment where food production, social interaction, and personal living spaces coexist.

### Material Strategy

The architectural design utilizes contemporary materials that enhance sustainability while ensuring structural integrity. Key materials include Kingspan QuadCore™ wall and roof panels, which offer high energy efficiency, plywood for warm interior finishes, aluminum for lightweight framing, and concrete as a stable foundation. The inclusion of multifaceted transparent panels maximizes natural light and connectivity with the outdoors. This material selection promotes energy efficiency and reduces maintenance, adhering to modern ecological standards.

### Spatial Organization

The layout of Perma-Home is systematically planned to foster interaction among residents. The residential modules are flexible and can be tailored to individual needs, allowing for easy expansion or contraction. Integrated private and community gardens support food production and security, while dedicated workshops and educational spaces encourage skill development and social learning. Market areas facilitate community interaction and collaboration. The transparent walls and modular configurations create a cohesive sense of community, enhancing the overall living experience.

### Architectural Features

The design incorporates a flexible floor plan that accommodates varied uses and adapts to changing needs over time. Natural lighting and ventilation are optimized through the use of skylights and large operable windows, improving energy performance. Utility areas are designed to support renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, enabling residents to harness sustainable energy independently. Additionally, the interior layout emphasizes efficiency through multifunctional furniture and built-in storage solutions, maximizing comfort within limited space constraints.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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