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QuadCore Panels and Light Gauge Steel Forming a Compact Sustainable Living Solution

Authors:
Nuoya Fang, Luyao He, Maosen Xu
QuadCore Panels and Light Gauge Steel Forming a Compact Sustainable Living Solution

Project in-detail

Utilizing QuadCore panels and light gauge steel, this compact structure offers a sustainable living solution designed for efficiency and adaptability in diverse environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes QuadCore panels for superior thermal performance.
02
Incorporates light gauge steel for lightweight structural integrity.
03
Features modular design for easy assembly and relocation.
04
Integrates solar panels for energy autonomy.
05
Employs multifunctional furniture to maximize space utility.

## Project Overview

Located in diverse urban contexts, myCUBE addresses contemporary housing challenges through a modular living design that emphasizes sustainability, accessibility, and community engagement. With a compact footprint of 25 square meters, the structure's cubic form facilitates efficient transportation and assembly, making it adaptable to various environments worldwide. This initiative employs advanced prefabrication techniques to streamline the construction process while promoting resource efficiency.

## Modular Design and User Interaction

The myCUBE concept focuses on versatility and functional efficiency, enabling users to personalize their living experience. The modular units can be easily assembled or disassembled, supporting both temporary and permanent installations as needed. The design promotes social interaction by incorporating shared living spaces that accommodate diverse family dynamics. The organization of functional areas—kitchen, living quarters, workspace, and sleeping areas—is strategically integrated to optimize usability within the limited space available.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The construction of myCUBE employs a range of carefully chosen materials that contribute to both durability and environmental sustainability. Key components include KingSpan QuadCore™ AWP LLC wall panels for thermal insulation, light gauge steel for structural integrity, and solar panels to enhance energy autonomy. The use of cavity insulation and OSB (Oriented Strand Board) for interior finishes further supports energy efficiency while maintaining aesthetic appeal. This deliberate material selection reflects a commitment to minimizing the project's carbon footprint and promoting energy-efficient living practices.

### Interior Configuration and Aesthetic Detail

Inside, myCUBE features an open-plan layout that fosters a sense of spaciousness in the compact environment, with seamless transitions between different functional zones. Multifunctional furniture, including foldable tables and modular seating, maximizes usable space. Stairs leading to the sleeping areas enhance vertical spatial use without encroaching on the floor area. A minimalist aesthetic is achieved with a dark exterior contrasted by light wood finishes in the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere while integrating harmoniously with its surroundings.

This project showcases prefabrication methods that emphasize local manufacturing to reduce transportation costs and support regional economies, alongside customizable exterior finish options to adapt to different environmental contexts. Additionally, a design that incorporates thermal comfort zones ensures energy efficiency through both active and passive temperature management strategies.

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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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