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Photovoltaic Wings and Sandwich Panels Fuel Flexible Community Resilience

Authors:
Maciej Jan Wojtasik, Agnieszka Sutkiewicz, Lech Tomasz Wojtasik, Agata Anna Bielicka
Photovoltaic Wings and Sandwich Panels Fuel Flexible Community Resilience

Project in-detail

Incorporating photovoltaic wings and modular sandwich panels, the design emphasizes energy efficiency and rapid adaptability, serving as a multifunctional community hub in a post-conflict environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a modular design for quick assembly and reconfiguration in response to community needs.
02
Incorporates dual-function photovoltaic wings to optimize energy capture from both solar and wind sources.
03
Features an active façade system that enhances thermal regulation and security for occupants.
04
Employs recycled sandwich panels for insulation, promoting sustainability while minimizing environmental impact.
05
Designed to serve as a multifunctional space, integrating retail, childcare, and community services within a single structure.

### Project Overview

The architectural design centers on a series of structures aimed at meeting the socio-economic needs of communities in regions recovering from conflict, such as parts of Ukraine. The initiative emphasizes sustainability, modular construction, and community integration while prioritizing functionality, resilience, and resource accessibility.

### Modular Construction Strategy

The project employs a **Re-Erect System** designed for rapid assembly and disassembly of building elements, enhancing the efficiency of construction processes in war-affected areas. Utilizing pre-fabricated components, the system minimizes waste, supports quick installation with minimal labor, and incorporates recycled sandwich panels for improved thermal performance. The **Retrofit System** allows for flexible upgrades to existing buildings, facilitating adaptations to modern technologies and changing needs. Both systems utilize robust materials such as stainless steel connecters to ensure durability and longevity of the structures.

### Community-Centric Design

The buildings serve as multifunctional hubs, combining retail, childcare, and community services to promote social interaction. The layout emphasizes accessibility and encourages engagement among residents, reflecting the importance of public spaces in post-crisis recovery. Designed with a circular form, the architecture fosters connectivity while the emergency shelter capabilities enhance utility. New residential buildings incorporate principles of green architecture, harnessing natural energy and ensuring the safety and comfort of residents through efficient design methods and prefabricated elements.

### Sustainable Materiality and Technology Integration

The project integrates renewable energy systems, including dual-purpose photovoltaic wings that optimize energy generation through wind and solar capture. Active façades provide both thermal regulation and security features, adapting to temperature fluctuations by covering windows for energy savings. The use of flattened and recycled steel, recycled sandwich panels for insulation, and other durable materials highlights the focus on ecological responsibility and sustainable construction practices. Overall, these design principles present a holistic approach to creating resilient, functional, and aesthetically cohesive living spaces for communities.

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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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