Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Repurposed Steel and Polycarbonate Panels Form a Compact Urban Habitat

Authors:
Eleonora Alviti, Pietro Romitelli
Repurposed Steel and Polycarbonate Panels Form a Compact Urban Habitat

Project in-detail

Constructed with repurposed steel and expansive polycarbonate panels, this compact urban residence maximizes natural light and adaptability while providing a sustainable living solution in a dense metropolitan environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a modular layout allowing for easy reconfiguration and expansion.
02
Incorporates polycarbonate panels to maximize natural light while ensuring privacy.
03
Features a combination of recycled steel and timber for enhanced structural integrity.
04
Designed to seamlessly blend into urban infill sites, addressing space constraints.
05
Equipped with renewable energy systems for energy independence and efficiency.

The "Hermit Home" project is a modular architectural design focusing on efficient living solutions within urban environments. This project addresses the growing need for sustainable housing by integrating adaptability and functionality into its design philosophy. The structure is compact, measuring a total area of 25 square meters, and includes a combination of living, working, and leisure spaces. This design recognizes the demands of modern urban dwellers who require multifunctional environments.

Modular Structure and Adaptability

One significant aspect of the "Hermit Home" is its modular framework, which promotes flexibility in configuration. The home allows for adjoining modules to be added or rearranged to accommodate varying lifestyle needs. This feature differentiates it from conventional residential designs, which often emphasize static layouts. The use of sliding and modular furniture facilitates space efficiency, enabling the living environment to transform easily based on the occupants' requirements.

Sustainable Materiality and Technology Integration

The project adopts an environmentally conscious approach, employing materials such as recycled steel for structural support, wooden panels for insulation and warmth, and polycarbonate sheets for natural light entry while maintaining privacy. The amalgamation of these materials not only leads to a sustainable construction method but also contributes to aesthetics and functionality.

Moreover, the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, and efficient waste management systems reinforces the project's emphasis on sustainability. The design promotes self-sufficiency, crucial for contemporary living in urban areas. The carefully selected materials and technologies place "Hermit Home" at the forefront of sustainable architecture.

Innovative Spatial Organization

The internal layout of the "Hermit Home" is another notable aspect. The design ensures a logical flow between different functional areas, including spaces for working and resting. This spatial organization emphasizes accessibility and usability, directly responding to the needs of urban residents who seek efficient use of limited space.

The compact size does not compromise comfort or aesthetic appeal. Customizable elements allow for personal expression within the confines of the design, enhancing the overall liveability of the space. The thoughtful integration of modular aspects with attention to spatial relationships is a distinctive characteristic that sets the "Hermit Home" apart from traditional housing solutions.

For a more in-depth understanding of the "Hermit Home," including architectural plans, sections, and broader design ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the complete project presentation. This exploration will provide valuable insights into the innovative architectural practices demonstrated in this project.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy