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Recycled PET Pods with Solar Energy for Cycling Communities

Authors:
Tom Wu, Sid Wich
Recycled PET Pods with Solar Energy for Cycling Communities

Project in-detail

Constructed from recycled PET and equipped with solar photovoltaics, the modular pods provide essential amenities for cyclists, enhancing convenience and community engagement along popular cycling routes.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from recycled PET material for environmental sustainability.
02
Incorporates solar photovoltaics for renewable energy use.
03
Modular design allows for various configurations to meet user needs.
04
Supports up to three bicycles in the storage unit.
05
Includes combined bathroom and kitchen facilities for cyclist convenience.

The design explores modular units intended to enhance the cycling experience along popular routes, with a focus on portability, sustainability, and adaptability. Two interconnected pod types are introduced, each designed to serve specific functions while meeting diverse user needs. These modules offer customizable configurations for users to create a space that works for them.

Modular Design

Pod A acts as a dedicated bike storage unit, accommodating up to three bicycles. The layout includes a folding bed and storage for equipment, allowing for practical use of space for both storage and resting. This arrangement serves cyclists looking for efficiency and convenience in their journey.

Pod B serves as a multifunctional area combining essential bathroom and kitchen facilities. This module includes a toilet, shower, sink, and ample storage. The thoughtful design ensures that cyclists have access to important amenities during their stops, making their experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Sustainability Features

The modules are constructed from recycled PET material, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility. This choice supports durability while reducing waste. In addition, solar photovoltaics are integrated to provide renewable energy, allowing the units to be charged independently. This feature enhances their practicality, making them easy to relocate after use.

User Configurations

The design takes into account different types of cyclists, including hardcore, social, and casual users. Each setup can be adjusted to offer necessary amenities for sleeping, dining, or bike maintenance. This flexibility addresses the varied needs of users. For example, hardcore cyclists can access essential services quickly, while casual cyclists can enjoy social space through larger kitchen and restroom facilities.

The overall design creates a welcoming space for cyclists, encouraging community interaction through its practical modularity. By integrating essential functions and sustainable practices, it provides an effective solution in cycling infrastructure. The connection between the pods facilitates a functional environment, allowing users to comfortably engage with their surroundings while enjoying their journey.

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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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