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Recycled Shipping Containers and Panoramic Windows in Modular Living Solutions

Author:
Inch Architects
Recycled Shipping Containers and Panoramic Windows in Modular Living Solutions
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Utilizing recycled shipping containers and large panoramic windows, these modular homes provide sustainable living solutions tailored for young couples seeking both privacy and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled shipping containers as primary building material.
02
Incorporates large panoramic windows for enhanced natural light.
03
Features a layout designed for efficient, compact living.
04
Includes water collection tanks for rainwater use.
05
Orientation of homes maximizes sunlight and privacy.

The "Compact 52" project offers a modular housing solution designed for young couples, situated on an irregularly shaped plot. The architectural concept focuses on creating a living environment that is both harmonious and distinct, allowing each residence to resonate with its owner while maintaining an integrated aesthetic throughout the development. The design emphasizes functionality and efficiency, catering specifically to the needs of its users.

Orientation and Spatial Arrangement

The houses are positioned to face south, capturing maximum sunlight and ensuring sufficient privacy between units. This arrangement encourages social interaction while allowing for individual seclusion. Horizontal volumes connect the houses, creating a formal link that helps integrate the design into the surrounding area.

Construction and Energy Efficiency

Frame technology serves as the foundation of the construction, allowing for thicker walls and better thermal insulation. Each unit features large panoramic windows that provide ample natural light in winter and minimize heat gain in summer. This careful consideration of light and temperature enhances energy efficiency and improves the overall living experience.

Sustainability and Personalization

A significant aspect of the design is its adaptability for different appearances without compromising structural integrity. The facades can use recycled materials, such as old timber formwork and disassembled shipping containers. This element not only promotes sustainability but also allows residents to personalize their homes. The roof design accommodates solar panels, which further supports energy independence and resource management.

Functional Design Solutions

The layout revolves around a furniture module that includes essential living spaces like a dressing room, kitchen, workplace, wet area, and sleeping space. This thoughtful arrangement provides a complete living experience in a compact format, meeting diverse resident needs. The choice of natural materials enhances the aesthetic while also serving practical functions, creating a space that is both inviting and efficient.

Integration of water collection tanks enables the houses to use rainwater for non-potable needs, reinforcing the commitment to practical resource management. This approach not only supports sustainability, but it also aligns with modern living trends, emphasizing both efficiency and comfort.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
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MICROHOME
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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

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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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