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Recycled Pallet Living with an Integrated Vegetable Garden

Author:
Matteo Narni mancinelli
Recycled Pallet Living with an Integrated Vegetable Garden

Project in-detail

Constructed with recycled pallets and equipped with a vegetable garden, the dwelling prioritizes sustainability and self-sufficiency, serving as a comfortable home for a young couple.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with recycled pallets for sustainable living.
02
Features a rainwater collection system for water independence.
03
Includes an upstairs terrace for gardening and relaxation.
04
Equipped with advanced technological systems for modern convenience.
05
Designed to maximize natural light with large windows throughout.

Serendipity is a dwelling that integrates thoughtfully with its surroundings, designed as a space for discovery rather than mere observation. The house functions as a comfortable home for a young couple, positioned among trees and rocks. The design encourages a harmonious relationship with nature while emphasizing principles of sustainability and self-sufficiency.

Spatial Organization

The layout inside Serendipity enhances daily living. The living area includes a sofa bed made from recycled pallets, providing flexibility. A pellet stove adds warmth during colder months, creating a cozy environment. A large bookcase with a movable ladder not only serves as storage but also adds a playful touch to the space.

The kitchen is equipped with essential appliances and features a central island that can be extended to accommodate more visitors. Beneath this island, a waste disposal system aids in cleanliness and efficiency. A corridor with a large window connects the living space to a storage room and the bedroom, ensuring good light and easy access throughout.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a core focus of Serendipity. It includes a rainwater collection system and solar panels, promoting energy and water independence. The building’s orientation is intentional, capturing sunlight effectively to support natural heating and provide ample daylight. This commitment to the environment reflects a growing trend in architecture aimed at reducing impact on the planet.

Terrace Design

The upstairs panoramic terrace serves multiple purposes. It functions as a peaceful area for relaxation and a practical space for gardening and small animals. Residents can enjoy the outdoors while nurturing plants, which adds to their self-sufficiency. The terrace design enhances the connection to the surroundings, making nature an integral part of daily life.

In addition to its functional aspects, Serendipity features an external covering of spruce, providing a sturdy yet pleasing appearance. This choice in materials complements the natural landscape while supporting the overall goals of the home. The design illustrates a fine balance between modern comforts and a respectful relationship with the environment.

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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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