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Prefabricated Core for Efficient Flood Recovery Housing

Author:
Ryan Hooper
Prefabricated Core for Efficient Flood Recovery Housing

Project in-detail

A prefabricated core structure equipped for greywater recycling provides a sustainable solution for efficient housing in areas impacted by floods.
5 key facts about this project
01
Prefabricated core supports rapid assembly and relocation.
02
Integrated greywater recycling system enhances sustainability.
03
Designed for optimal space utilization with flexible layouts.
04
Separation of bathroom functions across levels improves privacy.
05
Sustainable native plants are incorporated into the landscaping.

CORE 24 responds to the pressing need for housing solutions in places affected by disasters, particularly the recent floods in Victoria, Australia. The design revolves around a prefabricated structural core, which serves as the heart of the home. It is engineered for quick assembly and efficient living, allowing for essential amenities to be integrated within a modular framework. This configuration ensures immediate access to necessary facilities for those who have been displaced.

Design Concept

The design focuses on practicality and functionality. The core contains essential elements such as a shower, WC, kitchenette, vanity, closet, and laundry. This centralized setup reduces construction time and allows for easy access to vital services. The arrangement of space is designed to provide a comfortable bedroom that can accommodate a queen-size bed while offering adequate room to move. There is also attention to privacy, as bathroom functions are thoughtfully separated across different levels.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability plays an important role in the CORE 24 design. It makes good use of natural light to brighten areas like the shower and vanity, helping to reduce energy needs. Additionally, the structure incorporates a greywater recycling system. This system reuses wastewater for toilet flushing and can also be used to water local plants surrounding the dwelling. These features show a commitment to environmental responsibility while creating a pleasant living atmosphere.

Modularity and Adaptability

CORE 24 features a modular design that allows for flexibility in its use. Multiple units can be connected to create larger configurations to fit various family sizes and needs. This adaptability can be further enhanced by changing certain modules, such as swapping a kitchenette for a space designed for entertainment. The ability to adjust the structure over time makes it responsive to the changing demands of its residents.

The overall approach of CORE 24 balances practicality and a clean aesthetic. The prefabricated core simplifies the construction process, enabling quick setup in a manner that supports both immediate and future housing needs. The design showcases how architecture can meet urgent requirements while incorporating thoughtful solutions for comfort and sustainability.

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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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