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Recycled Aluminum Frame with Integrated Greenhouse for Compact Living

Authors:
Johanna Malcus, Jenny Ahlbäck, Luisa Navacerrada, Hedda Arlid
Recycled Aluminum Frame with Integrated Greenhouse for Compact Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with a recycled aluminum frame and equipped with a biogas digester and integrated greenhouse, the microhome promotes sustainable living while accommodating two occupants in a compact footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a recycled aluminum frame for sustainability.
02
Features a biogas digester that converts waste into energy.
03
Equipped with a rainwater collection system for efficient water use.
04
Includes an integrated greenhouse for local food production.
05
Designed for minimal impact on surrounding environments.

"OFF GRID - IN THE GRID / A HOUSE FOR GRETA" offers a thoughtful solution to the challenges of urban living, especially for Generation Z. Located in areas that suit both suburban and rural lifestyles, the microhome is designed for two occupants. It encourages them to take part in sustainable practices and share experiences. The design goes beyond simply being a place to live; it serves as a model for innovative living focused on ecological awareness through its efficient use of space and resources.

Design Concept

The core idea behind the design is to create a home that is both adaptable and resilient. The layout maximizes the use of space by carefully arranging essential amenities. The microhome fosters a collaborative living experience, allowing inhabitants to work on projects that focus on sustainability. This approach embodies the spirit of a generation eager to find practical solutions to environmental issues.

Sustainability Features

Central to the design is the commitment to circular living. The home includes systems for managing biowaste, turning waste into energy and fertilizers. This reduces the need for external resources. Additionally, rainwater is collected from the roof and stored underground for later use. This efficient water management strategy is part of a broader goal to promote self-sufficiency within a compact living environment.

Materiality and Construction

Recycled aluminum is used for the wall frame, highlighting a focus on sustainability and encouraging the use of local materials. This decision minimizes the building's environmental footprint. The design also features an integrated greenhouse, which enhances overall functionality. It allows for the local production of food while combining practical living aspects with ecological benefits.

Design Adaptability

The elevated structure of the microhome provides low-impact placement options. This flexibility allows it to fit well in a variety of geographic settings, whether in suburban areas or open fields. The design focuses on minimizing disruption to surrounding environments, promoting harmony between living spaces and nature.

This approach to essential amenities within a smaller footprint shows how high-quality living can be achieved without sacrificing comfort or functionality. The design stands as a practical response to the increasingly complex nature of today's housing needs.

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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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