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Recyclable Wood Panels in Off-Grid Transitional Housing

Authors:
Yuchuan Zhang, Jiao Zhun
Recyclable Wood Panels in Off-Grid Transitional Housing

Project in-detail

Comprising recyclable wood panels and designed for off-grid living, the housing solution provides a flexible and sustainable residence for young professionals in urban settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recyclable wood panels allow for easy assembly and disassembly.
02
The design is fully off-grid, utilizing solar energy and rainwater collection.
03
A central public core enhances communal living while maintaining privacy.
04
Flexible room layouts cater to the changing needs of young professionals.
05
Strategically located near adaptive reuse sites in urban settings.

NOMAN'slanD addresses the need for affordable transitional housing designed for young professional couples. Located on the outskirts of busy urban areas like Austin, the project responds to the challenges of modern living, where flexibility and sustainability are essential. The design focuses on creating a living space that adapts to the changing needs of its residents while providing both personal and communal areas.

Spatial Organization

The layout features a central public core that includes important amenities such as a kitchen and restroom. This core encourages interaction among those living in the space. Surrounding the core, two private rooms offer necessary privacy and comfort. This arrangement supports a lifestyle where social engagement and individual retreat can coexist harmoniously.

Materiality

Recyclable wood panels and steel make up the primary materials used in the construction. These choices reflect a commitment to sustainability by minimizing environmental impact. The use of these materials also allows for efficient assembly and disassembly, making it easier for residents to adapt their living space as needed. The straightforward approach to material selection reinforces the project’s focus on adaptability.

Sustainability Features

The design operates entirely off-grid, using solar energy for electricity and collecting rainwater for its water supply. This setup encourages self-sufficiency and reduces dependence on traditional resources. By integrating these eco-friendly systems, the project sets an example for sustainable living in urban settings. It highlights the importance of renewable technologies in residential design, showcasing how modern homes can align with ecological values.

Geographical Context

Situated in an area ripe for adaptive reuse, NOMAN'slanD benefits from existing infrastructure, including vacant office buildings. This location enhances the project’s relevance by addressing contemporary housing needs while simplifying the process of urban development. By making use of already available spaces, the design contributes to a practical and resourceful approach to housing the growing city population.

The arrangement of spaces clearly outlines a functional and practical model for living. The combination of a shared core and flexible private rooms offers a balanced environment, meeting the demands of various lifestyles.

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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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