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Recycled Polycarbonate and Plywood: A Versatile Food Court Solution

Authors:
Shimin Zhou, Wanning Liao
Recycled Polycarbonate and Plywood: A Versatile Food Court Solution

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled polycarbonate and prefabricated plywood, the design creates an adaptable food court that maximizes natural light and efficient user circulation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled polycarbonate for dynamic lighting effects.
02
Integrates prefabricated plywood for multifunctional furniture elements.
03
Designed for easy assembly and relocation to minimize waste.
04
Maximizes natural ventilation and daylight throughout the space.
05
Encourages social interaction through an open, flowing layout.

The design is situated in an urban environment where sustainability and flexibility are emphasized. The concept focuses on creating a food court that serves various functions while minimizing its environmental impact. By integrating easy assembly and disassembly into the architecture, the aim is to form a space that can adapt as needs change over time.

Material Utilization

Prefabricated plywood plank is central to the structural design, functioning both as support and as furniture. This dual role reduces waste and enhances the space’s usability. In addition, recycled polycarbonate is employed to create unique lighting effects that improve the atmosphere and help guide visitors throughout the area.

Design Efficiency

Natural light and ventilation play a significant role in the overall layout, which decreases the need for artificial lighting and mechanical heating or cooling systems. This attention to energy efficiency allows for a comfortable indoor climate. The arrangement of the space promotes smooth movement, facilitating social engagement among users.

Sustainability Integration

A modular approach informs the construction process, allowing sections to be rapidly assembled and disassembled. This adaptability aids in repurposing the space without generating significant waste, aligning with modern sustainability goals. The design clearly demonstrates a commitment to responsible practices while ensuring that both practical and aesthetic elements are considered.

Polycarbonate panels enhance daylight within the building, allowing soft light to filter in and creating interesting shadow patterns. This connection to the outdoors contributes to a more inviting atmosphere and enriches visitors' experiences.

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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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