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Polygonal Housing Crafted with Polypropylene and Thermal Insulation Solutions

Authors:
Sebastián Jiménez forero, Nicolas Pedraza jaimes, Diego Rodriguez aroca, Valentina Cristo pinilla
Polygonal Housing Crafted with Polypropylene and Thermal Insulation Solutions

Project in-detail

Constructed from a sandwich wall system of polypropylene and enhanced with thermal insulation, this modular housing solution fosters community living along the London canals while prioritizing sustainability and accessibility for diverse residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units designed for diverse family structures and accessibility.
02
Utilizes a polypropylene sandwich wall system for enhanced durability.
03
Integrates a Kaka water collection system providing over 15,000 liters daily.
04
Features sensitive glass façades for improved thermal regulation.
05
Promotes community interaction with semi-closed house arrangements.

The "House in Voronoi" project presents a thoughtful response to the challenges of urban living, situated by the historic London canals. The aim is to provide modular housing designed for small communities. This approach focuses on sustainable living and encourages social connections among residents. The design is simple yet effective, creating comfortable spaces that nurture a sense of belonging.

Design Concept

The design is informed by the need to address economic, environmental, and social concerns faced by urban residents. By drawing inspiration from the canal system, the layout promotes easy movement and interaction. The housing units are modular, allowing for different family structures and lifestyle needs. This flexibility enhances community engagement and fosters a cooperative living environment.

Spatial Configuration

Three types of housing units make up the layout: family units of 23.38 m², partner units of 14.19 m², and accessible units measuring 21.37 m². This variety provides options for different occupancy needs while ensuring a consistent architectural theme. The arrangement of these homes creates open communal spaces that enhance social interaction and allow for shared experiences among neighbors.

Material Utilization

A sandwich wall system is central to the structure, with a thickness of 15 cm. The outer layers consist of polypropylene panels, noted for their durability and lightness. Between these layers, Thermolon insulation is added to improve energy efficiency and comfort. Sensitive glass is used in the façade, creating air chambers that assist with thermal regulation and help manage energy costs effectively.

Sustainability Initiatives

The project emphasizes self-sufficiency through integrated systems for waste and water management. A system called Kaka captures and purifies water from the environment, providing over 15,000 liters daily. Alongside this, an anaerobic biogas system converts organic waste into usable gas, encouraging residents to adopt eco-friendly practices.

Public spaces are included throughout the design, allowing residents to enjoy natural light and promoting a friendly atmosphere. The arrangement balances private living areas with shared environments, fostering a strong sense of community among those who call this place home.

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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
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