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Polycarbonate Shelters for Compact Rural Living

Authors:
Yang Li, Yujiang Li, Yinglin Chen, Christina Chu
Polycarbonate Shelters for Compact Rural Living

Project in-detail

Reviving abandoned RVs through the use of polycarbonate panels and modular components, this initiative creates adaptable living spaces that promote sustainable rural housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Revives abandoned RVs, turning them into functional living spaces.
02
Incorporates polycarbonate panels for enhanced natural light.
03
Features modular components for easy customization.
04
Maintains mobility with detachable structures.
05
Designed for sustainable rural living solutions.

Revival is situated in Changting County, Fujian, China, where the focus is on turning abandoned RVs and vans into livable spaces. The design seeks to repurpose these vehicles, tackling issues related to urban decline and providing practical housing solutions. It aims to maximize the potential of existing structures, presenting homes that are both functional and environmentally friendly.

Spatial Configuration
The arrangement of the interior spaces has been carefully thought out. By increasing the window-to-wall ratio, the project allows more natural light to fill the interiors. This simple change brings warmth and openness, which contributes to a more inviting atmosphere.

Modular Components
Modular elements play an essential role in the design. These components can be prefabricated and brought together on-site, allowing for individual customization. Residents can modify their living spaces based on personal preferences or changing circumstances. This flexibility ensures the homes can adapt as needs evolve over time.

Essential Living Areas
The redesigned RVs thoughtfully incorporate vital living areas such as restrooms and kitchenettes. Each space is organized to make the most of the compact layout, ensuring that all necessary functions for daily life are included. The design balances efficiency with comfort, making everyday living easier.

Materials
The chosen materials for this project include polycarbonate panels and steel framing. Polycarbonate panels enable sunlight to enter the space while enhancing the visual appeal of the interiors. Steel framing offers a solid structure that supports the overall design, ensuring durability.

Revival exemplifies a practical approach to sustainability and adaptability, showing how abandoned vehicles can become functional homes that meet the needs of rural communities. The design encourages a new vision of living spaces, creating environments tailored to the lives of their occupants.

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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

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