Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Prefabricated Living Spaces Enhanced by Kinetic Pathways and Timber Cladding

Authors:
Ahaan Marwah, Rory Peckham
Prefabricated Living Spaces Enhanced by Kinetic Pathways and Timber Cladding

Project in-detail

Kinetic pathways intertwine with modular prefabricated living spaces clad in timber, creating a versatile community environment designed for urban adaptability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Kinetic pathways enhance spatial interaction and movement within the community.
02
Prefabricated modules allow for quick assembly and adaptation to user needs.
03
The incorporation of charred wooden shingles promotes sustainability and fire resistance.
04
A mobile crane facilitates on-demand assembly and community involvement in the process.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact.

### Concept Overview
The Modular Redux project is situated in a coastal area of Dubai, surrounded by ongoing infrastructural developments and green spaces. The design aims to reintroduce historical principles of modularity from the 1960s into modern urban living. By emphasizing prefabrication and customization, it addresses the need for flexibility and responsiveness to the dynamic urban environment.

### Modular System and Adaptability
Central to the design is a modular system that allows basic units to be converted into multi-functional spaces through an efficient assembly process. This system accommodates varied configurations for residential, dining, and communal activities, catering to diverse user preferences. The assembly emphasizes adaptability, with interlocking components that can be tailored to evolving household densities and requirements. This feature is particularly relevant in a rapidly changing urban context like Dubai, facilitating adjustments without the need for extensive reconstruction.

### Materiality and Construction Techniques
The project incorporates a range of locally sourced materials, including concrete, steel, timber, and glass, promoting sustainability by minimizing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Advanced construction methodologies, such as crane-assisted assembly and drone delivery for smaller components, align with contemporary technological advancements. This approach not only expedites construction time but also reduces labor costs, enhancing the project’s feasibility. A mobile crane serves as a key construction mechanism, allowing for scalable living spaces while engaging the community in the building process. Furthermore, kinetic energy pathways and renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines, are integrated into the design, fostering eco-conscious living and providing educational opportunities for residents regarding sustainability practices.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy