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Photovoltaic Panels and Gypsum Design in Flexible Urban Living

Authors:
Francesco Rapisarda, Daniela Bonanno, Andrea Bonaccorsi, Emanuela Romeo
Photovoltaic Panels and Gypsum Design in Flexible Urban Living

Project in-detail

With a focus on modularity and equipped with photovoltaic panels, the design enhances flexible living in an urban environment while utilizing gypsum and X-LAM for structural efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for horizontal and vertical movement, enhancing adaptability in living spaces.
02
Photovoltaic panels designed to mimic wood integrate energy generation with aesthetic appeal.
03
Constructed using X-LAM panels, supporting efficient assembly and structural strength.
04
Gypsum fiber and plasterboard sheets contribute to thermal performance and interior quality.
05
Mobile kitchen modules promote flexible arrangements tailored to occupant needs.

T-House presents a modern solution for flexible living. Located in an urban environment, it addresses the need for adaptable housing. The design concept focuses on modularity, allowing residents to change their living space easily according to their needs. By enabling both horizontal and vertical movements of the modular units, the home encourages versatile configurations, creating distinct areas such as bedrooms and living rooms within a compact framework.

Structural Approach

The layout of T-House features a straightforward square plan, measuring 5x5 square meters. Built using dry construction methods, the design promotes efficiency during assembly. It incorporates X-LAM panels that serve as structural components, providing strength and reducing construction time. This choice reflects modern building practices that focus on durability and practicality.

Material Choices

T-House employs several materials that support its overall function. Key components include 12.5 mm thick gypsum fiber plates, 12.5 mm thick plasterboard sheets, 95 mm X-LAM panels, 120 mm insulating panels, and photovoltaic panels sized 100 x 250 cm. The photovoltaic panels are designed to capture solar energy and have a glass-like effect achieved through digital ceramic printing. This selection of materials enhances both the energy efficiency and sustainability of the design.

Flexible Spaces

Inside, T-House emphasizes adaptability to suit various lifestyles. The kitchen includes mobile units that occupants can move around easily to make the most of their space. Additional features such as a folding bed and table contribute to the home’s versatility, enabling residents to adjust their environment based on daily activities.

The windows utilize selective glass to improve thermal performance while enduring diverse climate conditions. The roof, equipped with photovoltaic panels, combines energy generation and visual appeal, marking a modern choice that highlights practicality and environmental considerations.

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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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