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Recycled Plexiglass and SCALITE Facades Enhancing Urban Living

Authors:
Matija Dedovic, Milorad Vidojevic
Recycled Plexiglass and SCALITE Facades Enhancing Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled Plexiglass and SCALITE for its facade, this urban residence integrates advanced environmental systems while promoting an open-plan living experience that fosters a strong connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled Plexiglass creates a lightweight, transparent facade.
02
SCALITE made from fish shell enhances interior acoustics.
03
Rotating base design allows fluid spatial interaction.
04
Rainwater collection system supports urban agriculture.
05
Open-plan layout maximizes natural light and outdoor views.

The project presents a thoughtful relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. Set in an urban environment, the design emphasizes practicality while integrating nature into daily life. The concept focuses on dissolving the boundaries that usually separate living areas, creating a connected atmosphere that enhances both the visual appeal and functional experience.

Integration of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

The design revolves around merging the indoors with the outdoors. By removing traditional barriers, it promotes an open-plan layout that invites natural light to flow freely. The kitchen, dining area, and living room are linked, which encourages movement and interaction among different spaces. This thoughtful arrangement enriches the living experience by making it feel more expansive.

Innovative Material Use

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, evident in the selection of materials. Plexiglass® Greencast® GS is used for membrane construction. This recycled material allows light to enter while ensuring energy efficiency. Additionally, SCALITE®, made from fish shell, serves multiple purposes indoors, showcasing an eco-friendly approach. The facade makes use of seaweed-prefabricated straw panels, further highlighting the commitment to environmental responsibility.

Response to Environmental Context

The architecture interacts meaningfully with its surroundings. It includes systems for rainwater collection and wastewater processing, which help lessen the environmental impact. These features not only contribute to sustainability but also support urban farming by turning waste into usable fertilizer. Such elements encourage a relationship between residents and their environment, enhancing the home’s functional benefits.

Technological Integration

Advanced technologies are integrated into the design to improve comfort and adaptability. Digital screens and interactive wall systems respond to changing conditions, reflecting a modern approach to living. These features help meet contemporary needs while maintaining a link to nature.

One notable design detail is the rotating base, which allows different spaces to engage with one another more fully. As individuals move through the home, they are reminded of the balance between their indoor environment and the surrounding world.

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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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