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Regolith Structures Enhanced by Biophilic Design Elements in Sustainable Living Environments

Regolith Structures Enhanced by Biophilic Design Elements in Sustainable Living Environments
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Utilizing regolith-based materials and biophilic elements, the development creates a sustainable habitat that fosters community living in the challenging environment of Mars.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Martian regolith to develop construction materials on-site.
02
Incorporates biophilic design principles for enhanced occupant well-being.
03
Features hexagonal grid layout for efficient land use and accessibility.
04
Integrates smart technology systems to optimize resource management.
05
Design promotes community interaction through strategically placed nodes.

### Overview and Concept

The Mars 2236 project is an architectural initiative aimed at developing a sustainable urban habitat on Mars. Located in previously identified potential sites for colonization, this design focuses on addressing the unique challenges of the Martian environment, including atmospheric conditions, gravity, and available resources. The intent of the layout is to promote human habitation and social interaction, creating a structured urban ecosystem that supports daily activities and communal life.

### Spatial Layout and Urban Design

The layout is organized in a hexagonal grid pattern, which optimizes land utilization and ensures accessibility. This configuration enhances structural resilience in the Martian landscape, featuring interconnected nodes, quarters, and districts that facilitate diverse functions.

- **Nodes** act as central communal hubs equipped with essential services and social amenities, promoting interaction among residents and fostering community cohesion.

- **Quarters** encompass residential units in close proximity to green spaces, integrating biophilic design principles to enhance well-being through natural light and vegetation.

- **Districts** are designed to accommodate a mix of commercial and social infrastructure, maintaining a dynamic urban environment that supports a spectrum of economic and social activities.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A foundational aspect of the Mars 2236 project is the emphasis on sustainable material selection appropriate for Martian conditions.

- **Regolith-derived materials** are proposed to utilize local soil for construction, thereby mitigating the need for transporting materials from Earth.

- **Reinforced composites** are planned to provide lightweight yet durable structures, capable of withstanding environmental stresses.

- **Solar panels and green roofing** are incorporated to maximize solar energy capture and create vegetated surfaces, enhancing air quality and visual appeal.

These material strategies are integral to the project's sustainability goals, aiming to minimize the carbon footprint and promote self-sufficiency in an extraterrestrial setting.

### Design Outcomes and Unique Features

The visual representation of the Mars 2236 project includes images that illustrate interactions between residents and the Martian landscape, particularly within the quarter parks. These green spaces not only serve recreational purposes but also function as ecological filters, contributing to air and water recycling in controlled environments.

Furthermore, the design includes adaptable multi-functional spaces that can evolve to meet the changing needs of inhabitants over time. The integration of advanced technology within these spaces, such as smart infrastructure to monitor and optimize resource usage, underscores a commitment to innovative solutions in addressing the challenges of Martian living.

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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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