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Recycling Plastic Waste Into Composite Bricks for Sustainable Community Housing

Authors:
Zikry nasrullah bin zairul azidin , Wong Yi Xuen , Hao Yuan Cheah
Recycling Plastic Waste Into Composite Bricks for Sustainable Community Housing

Project in-detail

Transforming coastal plastic waste into composite bricks, this sustainable community housing project blends traditional kampung architectural elements with modular construction techniques to create resilient living spaces for residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Composite bricks made from 20% recycled plastic waste and 80% coastal sand are used for construction.
02
The project incorporates a modular design allowing for flexible layout configurations.
03
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into each unit for sustainable water management.
04
Shared public spaces foster community engagement and interaction among residents.
05
Building techniques utilize accessible machinery for local artisans, promoting community involvement.

## Overview

The design initiative addresses the critical challenge of coastal plastic pollution and the need for sustainable housing in rural communities across Southeast Asia. Situated in regions where waste management is inadequate, the project seeks to reclaim polluted shorelines by employing innovative building practices that incorporate recycled materials. Drawing inspiration from traditional kampung settlements, the design emphasizes community integration and environmental consciousness in its approach to architecture and urban planning.

## Material Innovation

A key feature of the project is the use of composite bricks, composed of 20% shredded recycled plastic waste and 80% coastal sand. These bricks are designed in various customizable sizes, facilitating efficient assembly and construction. Additionally, corrugated metal sheets are utilized for roofing, enhancing structural integrity while promoting natural ventilation and effective water drainage. The inclusion of rainwater harvesting systems, such as Kingspan Slimline Tanks, underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency.

## Community-Centric Design

The project's layout emphasizes connectivity and engagement through strategically arranged modular units that promote communal interaction. Shared public spaces are designed for versatility, accommodating activities ranging from village meetings to educational programs. Each dwelling incorporates passive design features, including overhanging roofs and buffer zones, which provide resilience against monsoon conditions. Through its emphasis on environmental education and active participation in recycling practices, the initiative fosters a culture of sustainability within the community, ultimately strengthening social cohesion and well-being.

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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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