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Polycarbonate Roofs and Water Catchment Elevations in Compact Tropical Living

Authors:
Devlin Nathaniel sebastian, Michael Kornelius
Polycarbonate Roofs and Water Catchment Elevations in Compact Tropical Living

Project in-detail

With a polycarbonate roof and elevated water catchment system, this compact residence offers sustainable living solutions tailored for young professionals in a tropical environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design enhances rainwater collection efficiency.
02
Roof structure accommodates solar panels for energy generation.
03
Polycarbonate material maximizes natural light while minimizing heat.
04
Flexible interior layout supports multifunctional living spaces.
05
Terrace integrates outdoor social interaction areas effectively.

The Gubug Banar is located in a tropical environment and serves as a modern and sustainable living space for young professional couples. The name translates from the ancient Indonesian language to mean a small but spacious home. This design aims to change the common view of traditional gubug housing, often associated with poverty, into a contemporary model that emphasizes efficiency and environmental care. The design combines different functional areas into a clear, cohesive form, achieving a balance between communal and private living.

Spatial Organization

The layout of Gubug Banar consists of several well-defined areas. On the ground floor, the design includes a terrace, living room, pantry or kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, relax room, and storage space. These areas are arranged thoughtfully to encourage social interaction but also maintain privacy. The placement of doors and pathways enhances the living experience while reflecting the demands of modern urban life.

Environmental Design

A key aspect of the design focuses on reducing its environmental impact. The building is elevated to create a water catchment area underneath, which effectively collects rainwater and minimizes disruption to the ground. The tilted roof is designed to hold solar panels, making it easier to gather energy in a tropical setting. These features support a commitment to sustainability, reducing the need for external energy sources and increasing self-sufficiency within the home.

Material Selection

For the roof, polycarbonate material is chosen. This option allows ample natural light to enter the house while helping to regulate temperature. The material is important for enhancing energy efficiency and comfort for the residents, aligning with the project’s goal of being environmentally responsible. The inclusion of rainwater collection systems further emphasizes resource management within the dwelling.

Interior Flexibility

Inside Gubug Banar, the design promotes flexibility and multifunctionality. Cabinets and staircases are crafted to maximize space, allowing different areas of the home to serve multiple purposes as the needs of the residents change. This thoughtful approach reflects the busy lifestyles of young professionals and strikes a balance between usability and visual appeal.

The design offers a range of views throughout the house. Residents can enjoy perspectives from the entrance, bedroom, and relax areas. These careful design decisions promote a connection between indoor spaces and nature, enriching the overall living experience and fostering a sense of harmony with the surrounding environment.

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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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