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Reflective Glazing and Ptfe Composite in Modular Urban Living

Authors:
Ahmad Nouraldeen, Francesco Angiulli, Naim Zgheib, Hassan Roumieh
Reflective Glazing and Ptfe Composite in Modular Urban Living
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With a focus on sustainability, CAPSULE REEF employs reflective glazing and PTFE composite skins to create modular housing units that address urban living needs in Las Vegas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective glazing enhances energy efficiency while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
02
PTFE composite skin provides durability and low maintenance requirements.
03
Modular configurations allow for adaptable living arrangements to meet diverse needs.
04
Integration of vertical aquaponics supports local food production within urban settings.
05
Strategic placement in underutilized urban spaces optimizes land usage in Las Vegas.

CAPSULE REEF is an initiative focused on providing affordable housing in Las Vegas. Located within the bustling environment of the Las Vegas Strip, it presents a solution to the growing need for accessible living spaces. The design concept is centered on modular housing units that can adjust to different residential needs. This flexibility caters to a diverse range of occupants, allowing for personalized living arrangements.

Modular Configuration

The project features a variety of modular units such as Triplex and Triplex + Garden configurations. These options present different arrangements to suit varying lifestyles. The design not only accommodates individual residents but also fosters community interactions. By promoting shared spaces alongside private areas, the layout encourages social connections among residents.

Urban Integration

CAPSULE REEF emphasizes a strong connection to the urban setting. The omni-structure that holds the modular units enables efficient construction in overlooked spaces like vacant rooftops and parking lots. This approach aims to enhance accessibility to the main areas of the city. By transforming these underused sites, the housing project enriches the urban landscape, making it a functional part of the community.

Sustainable Features

Sustainability is a key aspect of CAPSULE REEF. The design incorporates an inner skin made of reflective glazing and an outer skin constructed from PTFE composite. The reflective glazing helps improve energy efficiency, while the durable PTFE composite ensures resilience against weather impacts. This combination reduces the need for maintenance, allowing for longevity. Features like solar chimneys facilitate natural ventilation, promoting good air quality, and vertical aquaponics systems support local food production.

Design Detail

The arrangement of the modular units results in a balance of private and communal spaces. With landscaping and green pockets integrated into the layout, residents find a pleasing environment. This design reflects an understanding of modern urban living by addressing both practical needs and social aspects of community life. Each unit contributes to a greater goal: creating a vibrant habitat in the heart of a dynamic city.

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competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
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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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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