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Reclaimed Materials and Community-Centric Living in Compact Microhomes

Authors:
B. tate Selby, Stuart Everett, Sebatian Escobar
Reclaimed Materials and Community-Centric Living in Compact Microhomes

Project in-detail

Utilizing reclaimed materials to embrace a community-focused approach, the microhome integrates a space-efficient design with a hydraulic system that harnesses wave energy to support sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a modular design allowing for extensive customization by residents.
02
Incorporates reclaimed materials to minimize environmental impact.
03
Features a dual hydraulic/flywheel system that generates energy from wave motion.
04
Promotes community interaction through structured volunteer opportunities.
05
Designed for enhanced space efficiency with multifunctional fold-away components.

The Hexipad project introduces a fresh concept in microhousing, aiming to address pressing issues related to urban living and climate change. Located in Galveston, Texas, a city at risk of flooding and severe storms, the project focuses on creating a sustainable and functional living environment. The design centers around small, efficient homes known as "pills," which are intended to foster a sense of community among residents.

Modularity and Flexibility

The architecture prioritizes modularity, allowing residents to personalize their living spaces. Each Pillbox home occupies 24 square meters, designed to provide necessary amenities without wasting space. The structure is flexible enough to adapt to various living situations, making it appealing to different kinds of households. This adaptability supports changing lifestyles, ensuring that the homes can grow with their occupants.

Community Integration

A key feature of the Hexipad concept is its commitment to community. Residents are invited to take part in volunteer activities, promoting interactions and building social ties. This approach enhances the overall quality of life for individuals living in close proximity to one another. By encouraging participation, the design fosters a supportive environment where people can collaborate and share resources effectively.

Space Efficiency

Inside the Pillbox, every inch of space is thoughtfully planned to maximize usability. The layout includes foldable elements, such as stoves and ovens, which help create an open atmosphere suitable for various daily activities. This careful arrangement allows residents to live comfortably within a compact area while maintaining essential functions typically found in larger homes.

Sustainability in Design

Sustainability is a core principle underpinning the Hexipad initiative. The project utilizes reclaimed materials in construction to lessen environmental impacts and promote responsible sourcing. These materials help create a conscious living space that reflects a commitment to minimizing waste.

In addition to thoughtful material choices, the project features an innovative dual hydraulic/flywheel telescoping system. This technology harnesses wave motion to produce hydraulic fluid, supplying energy for the community. These advancements not only address practical energy needs but also strengthen the ability of the housing community to withstand future challenges.

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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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