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Recycled Rubber-Powered Structure With Interlocking Modular Units for Urban Living

Authors:
Suppaporn Raksarat, Nutkritta Yeamkhlee, Pornpitcha Art-ong, Nabawee Samachai
Recycled Rubber-Powered Structure With Interlocking Modular Units for Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled rubber aggregates and modular interlocking units, the design integrates sustainable materials to create flexible urban housing solutions that promote community engagement and adaptability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a unique blend of recycled rubber aggregates within the concrete mix for enhanced sustainability.
02
Incorporates large circular openings to optimize natural light and airflow in each modular unit.
03
Features an adaptable modular system allowing for reconfiguration based on changing community needs.
04
Integrates agricultural units promoting urban farming and local food production within the housing environment.
05
Designed with seismic resistance in mind, utilizing innovative structural materials and techniques.

### Overview
Located in a contemporary urban setting, the Interlocking Modular System explores innovative approaches to modular construction and urban resilience. The design addresses the imperative needs for adaptability, sustainability, and community integration. It features an arrangement of interdependent modular units that can be reconfigured according to varying requirements, fostering not just architectural flexibility, but a dialogue with the surrounding built environment. The repetitive modular units, characterized by large circular openings, provide both functional and aesthetic benefits.

### Materiality and Structural Design
The primary material utilized is reinforced concrete, recognized for its strength and durability, ensuring the structural integrity of the interlocking units. The integration of recycled rubber aggregate within the concrete enhances sustainability by incorporating repurposed materials and improves resilience against dynamic forces. Steel wire reinforcement adds tensile strength, further ensuring the structure's capability to withstand seismic activities. This careful selection of materials reflects an emphasis on environmental impact reduction and long-term performance.

### Functional and Community Spaces
The design allocates distinct units for various functions, enhancing user experience through thoughtful spatial organization. Residential layouts include both single and double occupancy bedroom units for versatility. Essential wellness amenities, such as healthcare and shower units, are incorporated to support sanitation and emergency needs. Community-oriented spaces focus on education and interaction, facilitating social engagement. Additionally, agricultural units are designed to promote self-sustainability and local food production, addressing contemporary societal challenges while encouraging resource conservation through efficient systems for water collection and energy use.

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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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