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Polycarbonate Shells and Movable Walls in Compact Sustainable Living Space

Author:
Michael Eric Payton May
Polycarbonate Shells and Movable Walls in Compact Sustainable Living Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with polycarbonate panels and high-grade aluminum, this compact micro-home incorporates movable walls and advanced sustainable systems to create an adaptable living space that promotes self-sufficiency and ecological responsibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with lightweight polycarbonate panels for enhanced insulation and natural light.
02
Features modular, movable walls that allow for flexible space configuration.
03
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system integrated into the structural design.
04
Utilizes advanced organic waste processing to support on-site composting.
05
Includes vertical gardens designed for year-round food production within the living space.

**Overview**

Cubetopia is located within an urban context that emphasizes sustainable living solutions. The project is designed to create micro-homes that meet essential living needs while promoting self-sufficiency. By integrating renewable energy, water harvesting, food production, and waste processing within a compact design, the project addresses the increasing demand for efficient urban habitation.

**Modular Design and Nature Integration**

The modular structure supports flexibility in use and mobility, allowing for easy assembly and transport. Key design elements include expansive glass surfaces and adjustable walls that facilitate a direct relationship between indoor and outdoor environments. This interaction is further enhanced by systems for water management and organic waste processing, encouraging a sustainable lifestyle.

**Material Composition and Specialized Systems**

Cubetopia employs three primary materials: lightweight polycarbonate for its transparency and insulation properties, high-grade aluminum for its structural integrity, and organic components for ecological balance. Notably, the water management system incorporates rainwater harvesting and advanced natural filtration, while the dual food production strategy features indoor vertical gardens and outdoor spaces, promoting biodiversity and community engagement. The design accommodates diverse user needs through movable walls and accessibility features, ensuring an inclusive 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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