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Photovoltaic Glass and Ironwood Structure for Sustainable Micro Living

Authors:
Alexander Andry rusli, Hansen Sentosa
Photovoltaic Glass and Ironwood Structure for Sustainable Micro Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with photovoltaic glass and ironwood, this compact micro-house embraces sustainable living through adaptable design and efficient resource management, serving as a modern sanctuary away from urban centers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed to maximize natural light through large windows and skylights.
02
Incorporates an adaptable foundation for resilience in varying environmental conditions.
03
Features a rainwater collection system designed for efficient water management.
04
Utilizes photovoltaic glass to generate solar energy while enhancing daylighting.
05
Designed to foster community interaction while preserving individual privacy.

Rumah Teduh is a modern micro-house designed to meet the needs of sustainable living while addressing the challenges of contemporary urban environments. Located outside city centers, the house serves as a response to the increased demand for physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The design emphasizes a close relationship with the natural surroundings, providing a tranquil living environment.

Design Layout
The house features a compact layout of 20 m², creating a functional yet comfortable space. Inside, there are key areas for daily life: a kitchen, a dining/home office zone, and a lofted sleeping area. These spaces are organized to maximize usability, ensuring that all necessary activities can be carried out easily. The arrangement reflects a thoughtful approach to modern living.

Natural Light and Ventilation
A notable element of Rumah Teduh is the emphasis on natural light and ventilation. The use of large windows and skylights allows ample daylight to enter the home and promotes air circulation. This setup minimizes the reliance on artificial lighting and enhances the overall living experience. Proper ventilation contributes to improved air quality inside, making the space healthier.

Sustainability Features
The house is built on an adaptable foundation, enabling it to adjust to various environmental conditions. This feature increases its durability and resilience. Rainwater is efficiently collected through a planned drainage system, which directs water to storage tanks for later use. Additionally, the inclusion of photovoltaic glass allows the house to harness solar energy while providing natural light indoors. This combination supports a net-zero energy lifestyle.

Community Engagement
The layout encourages interaction among residents while offering private spaces for retreat. Common areas are designed to promote socialization, providing welcoming gathering spots for inhabitants. Meanwhile, the placement of private living spaces ensures that individuals can enjoy moments of solitude when needed.

The design of Rumah Teduh concludes with a gently sloped roof that not only manages rainwater but also creates intriguing patterns of shadow and light across the exterior. This feature enhances the connection between the building and its natural environment, drawing attention to the delicate harmony of form and function.

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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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