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Polycarbonate Roofs and Insulated Panels Create Adaptive Housing Solutions for Disaster Recovery

Author:
Naindry Rodrigues
Polycarbonate Roofs and Insulated Panels Create Adaptive Housing Solutions for Disaster Recovery

Project in-detail

Utilizing a combination of polycarbonate roofs and insulated panels, this design offers adaptable modular units that effectively address immediate and long-term housing needs in disaster-affected regions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for flexible configurations tailored to varying community needs.
02
Polycarbonate roofs provide natural light while enhancing thermal performance.
03
Biodigestor systems are integrated for sustainable waste management.
04
The design facilitates quick assembly in response to urgent housing demands.
05
Adaptable layouts support both individual privacy and communal spaces.

## Overview

The Aurora Project addresses the pressing need for adaptive shelter solutions following the severe flooding in the Rio Grande do Sul region of southern Brazil experienced in 2024. Designed to respond to both immediate and long-term housing requirements, the initiative focuses on inclusivity and resilience, offering adaptable spaces that serve as both temporary emergency shelters and permanent residences. The project aims to facilitate community recovery and cater to diverse family needs, positioning itself as a strategic response to increasing climate-induced challenges.

## Modular Design and Spatial Strategy

The architectural approach features a series of interconnected modular structures, with each unit measuring approximately 25 square meters. These flexible cabins can be customized through horizontal and vertical stacking, accommodating a range of site conditions and community requirements. The design includes different module variants: a Bedroom Module for various sleeping arrangements and a Kitchen and Bathroom Module to ensure essential living functionality. This layout encourages a balance between communal interaction and individual privacy, fostering a supportive environment conducive to community rebuilding.

## Sustainability and Material Selection

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Aurora Project, reflected in the thoughtful selection of construction materials that prioritize low-cost, easily maintainable, and eco-friendly solutions. Key materials include a lightweight metal framework for structural integrity, Kingspan insulated wall panels for thermal comfort, and polycarbonate panels that enhance natural lighting while contributing to the aesthetic of the structure. Additionally, renewable energy systems such as solar panels and biodigestors for waste management are integrated to support self-sufficient living. The design also incorporates water collection systems to optimize resource utilization, aligning immediate shelter provisions with long-term ecological sustainability.

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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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