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Pneumatic Membrane Walls and Kingspan Insulation in a Modern Micro Residence

Author:
Juhan Lee
Pneumatic Membrane Walls and Kingspan Insulation in a Modern Micro Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing pneumatic membrane walls and advanced Kingspan insulation, this micro residence exemplifies a modern approach to efficient living while integrating seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pneumatic walls adapt to climate variations, enhancing energy efficiency.
02
Kingspan insulation significantly reduces thermal bridging throughout the structure.
03
The design incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable water management.
04
Flexible interior spaces support a variety of living configurations.
05
Large glass openings ensure maximum natural light and outdoor connectivity.

**Overview**

The S’more House is located in the northern hemisphere and serves as an exploration of micro-scale living within a sustainable framework. The intent is to create a residential structure that emphasizes minimalism while fostering a close connection between the inhabitants and their natural surroundings. Its design blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environments, reflecting a modern approach to ecological sensitivity.

**Spatial Arrangement**

The floor plan emphasizes efficiency and fluidity, featuring well-defined living areas, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a sleeping space optimized for interaction. Large glass openings enhance the connection to the outdoor landscape, allowing natural light to permeate the interior and framing views of the surrounding environment. This layout prioritizes the user's experience by creating an adaptable and inviting atmosphere conducive to relaxation and engagement with nature.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

The material choices for the S’more House were strategically made to support its design principles. The use of Kingspan Quadcore insulating panels enhances thermal performance while maintaining a lightweight structure. Additionally, the integration of a PVC-coated polyester pneumatic membrane enables dynamic form changes and facilitates natural ventilation. Key features include roof-mounted solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, reflecting a commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable resource management. The inclusion of a pneumatic wall system allows for flexible wall configurations that adapt to climatic variations, further optimizing energy efficiency and enhancing the overall living experience.

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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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