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Repurposed Shipping Containers With Green Roofs Creating Dynamic Urban Spaces

Authors:
Jazzbi Chew, Shirlyn Lew, Zen Kong
Repurposed Shipping Containers With Green Roofs Creating Dynamic Urban Spaces

Project in-detail

Repurposing shipping containers with integrated green roofs, this project establishes a flexible community hub that adapts to various urban functions while promoting sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes shipping containers to create modular and adaptable spaces.
02
Incorporates green roofs and vertical gardens for environmental sustainability.
03
Features community-oriented design encouraging local business participation.
04
Utilizes solar panels for energy efficiency throughout the complex.
05
Includes billboard panels for dynamic branding and user engagement.

### Overview

"Contraption" is situated in an urban environment where the innovative use of shipping containers serves as the foundation for multifunctional spaces. This design addresses sustainability, adaptability, and community interaction through the repurposing of discarded containers, thereby exploring their potential for urban architecture. The intent is to create vibrant areas that foster diverse community activities, including dining, arts, and social gatherings, within a flexible framework.

### Material Innovation and Sustainability

The primary structural elements include steel shipping containers, which are chosen for their durability and modularity. The design incorporates green roofs and vertical gardens, contributing to environmental sustainability by enhancing insulation and supporting biodiversity. Large glass panels provide natural lighting and visual connections to the external environment, while a variety of textures, such as polished concrete and rustic wood finishes, enrich the aesthetic quality of the spaces. Additional sustainable features include a rainwater harvesting system and strategically positioned solar panels, which not only reduce ecological footprints but also promote energy efficiency.

### Community-Centric Functional Layout

The internal organization of "Contraption" is designed to accommodate both public and private uses. The ground level includes essential amenities such as a kitchen and restroom facilities, facilitating food service flexibility. The upper level serves as a multipurpose space, prioritizing natural ventilation and outdoor access to enhance the user experience. The layout promotes civic engagement by allowing local businesses to utilize the space for various purposes, fostering economic activity and community cohesion. Additionally, the exterior billboard panels provide a platform for branding, contributing dynamically to the local urban landscape. Each container's customizable nature encourages individual expression, creating a unique visual identity reflective of the community's cultural diversity.

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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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