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Recycled Gum Poles and Movable Shading in Adaptive Micro Homes

Author:
Gillian Holl
Recycled Gum Poles and Movable Shading in Adaptive Micro Homes

Project in-detail

Incorporating 3D printed concrete and recycled gum poles, this adaptable micro home features a movable shading system and an integrated aquaponic garden, offering residents a sustainable living and working environment in urban South Africa.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates an aquaponic system for local food production.
02
Constructed with 3D printed concrete for enhanced efficiency.
03
Features a movable shading device for climate adaptability.
04
Utilizes recycled gum poles to promote sustainability.
05
Designed for easy on-site installation without extensive labor.

The micro home is designed to tackle the challenges of urban living in South Africa. Set in densely populated cities, it serves both as a place to live and work, emphasizing community engagement. The design concept focuses on connectivity and sustainability, encouraging social interaction while promoting local economies.

Connectivity and Community Engagement

The micro home is structured to link with nearby communities, helping to boost local economic development. It features a communal area shaded by a movable device, which allows residents to gather and interact. The arrangement of spaces encourages clustering, making it easier for the public to engage with one another in a shared environment.

Sustainability in Design

Sustainability plays a key role in the design of the micro home, which is constructed using recyclable materials. Important materials include 3D printed concrete, plastic cylinders, corrugated iron sheeting, and recycled gum poles. The home incorporates systems for collecting and filtering water, as well as managing temperature. These features are designed to enhance its self-sufficiency, aligning with modern urban planning practices.

Adaptability and Cost-Effectiveness

This micro home is built for adaptability and cost-effectiveness. It can be easily purchased and installed on-site, avoiding the need for extensive construction. The structure is designed to rest on concrete footings, allowing it to fit different terrains. Inside, the layout allows for furniture to be moved, enabling spaces to be tailored for both living and working.

Aquaponic System Integration

The micro home includes an aquaponic system, which allows residents to grow their own crops and vegetables. This feature supports sustainability and contributes to food security in urban areas. By integrating local food production, the design seeks to address community needs while promoting resilience.

The project provides a functional approach to combining living and working spaces. The design is thoughtful and responds to the needs of urban residents, balancing ecological concerns with social connectivity. Its choice of materials and layout creates a practical urban dwelling tailored for modern city life.

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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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