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Recycled Shipping Containers and Timber Formwork in Sustainable Modular Housing

Author:
Inch Architects
Recycled Shipping Containers and Timber Formwork in Sustainable Modular Housing

Project in-detail

Employing recycled shipping containers and timber formwork, the modular housing design provides sustainable living solutions for young couples, emphasizing adaptability and community-oriented space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Recycled shipping containers are utilized to construct the modular homes.
02
Every unit offers large panoramic windows to maximize natural light and minimize heat gain.
03
The design allows for façade customization using old timber formwork.
04
Rainwater collection tanks are integrated for sustainable water use.
05
Flexible interior layouts support a balance of living, working, and leisure spaces.

The "Compact 52" project offers modular housing designed specifically for young couples on an irregularly shaped plot. The design centers around creating a balance between individual identity and a sense of community. Each home has unique features while still fitting into a cohesive overall design. This project emphasizes sustainability and adaptability to meet the needs of modern living.

Concept and Spatial Arrangement

The layout of the "Compact 52" homes is oriented southward to gain maximum sunlight exposure. By offsetting the houses, privacy is enhanced, allowing for personal space without isolating each unit from the others. This arrangement promotes social interaction among residents and addresses practical living needs at the same time.

Construction Technology

Frame technology is employed in the construction of the houses, providing a flexible design approach. The thickness of the walls can be modified to suit thermal insulation requirements based on local climate. The ability to use readily replaceable materials contributes to the longevity of the buildings and allows for adjustments over time. Incorporating recycled materials adds a layer of sustainability to the overall project.

Interior Layout and Functionality

The interiors are designed with versatility in mind. Each home includes a basic furniture module that dedicates space for key functions such as the kitchen, a workspace, and a wet area. This modular approach maximizes space efficiency and accommodates various lifestyles, supporting both work and leisure activities within the same environment.

Design Features

Large panoramic windows characterize each home, allowing ample natural light to fill the spaces while minimizing direct sunlight exposure during the hottest parts of the day. This thoughtful design helps maintain a comfortable indoor climate and fosters a connection between the indoors and outdoors. Additionally, the option for customizing the facade with materials like old timber formwork or disassembled shipping containers invites residents to express their individuality while keeping sustainability in focus.

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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
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