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Roof Cabins in Local Stone With Solar Collectors Offering Communal Living Solutions

Authors:
KAI YANG WU, YI MIN CUI, STONE CHUANG, CHUN HUANG
Roof Cabins in Local Stone With Solar Collectors Offering Communal Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Roof cabins constructed from local stone and surrounded by solar collectors create a sustainable environment for communal living within a natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Roof cabins utilize local stone to enhance environmental integration.
02
Solar collectors are strategically positioned to maximize energy efficiency.
03
The design incorporates modular forms for efficient construction and flexibility.
04
Communal spaces are embedded within the layout to foster social interaction.
05
Prefabricated elements streamline the building process while minimizing waste.

### Project Overview
Located in a hilly region, the design addresses the need for a community-oriented lodging facility comprising two types of huts, which serve both guests and staff. The layout prioritizes environmental responsiveness and energy efficiency while fostering social connectivity. The site’s gentle slope informs the spatial arrangement, encouraging integration with the natural landscape.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout features two distinct hut types adapted for various functions. **Hut Type 1** consists of a two-story structure, with the ground floor accommodating essential amenities such as showers, kitchen, mechanical storage, and communal areas, while the second floor provides additional accommodation space. In contrast, **Hut Type 2** is designed with a more complex spatial organization that includes essential facilities like a solar converter and water purification system, enhancing the utility of the space. The arrangement facilitates community interaction through open communal areas, promoting a social atmosphere among residents and guests.

### Materiality and Sustainability
A focus on sustainability characterizes the material selection for the project. Predominantly, **prefabricated steel** ensures structural stability, while **tempered glass** enhances natural light and energy efficiency. The use of **light-weight wood partitions** creates a warm interior environment, and local stone materials are incorporated to minimize transportation impacts while harmonizing with the surroundings. Systems such as solar converters and water purifiers support the huts' sustainability by utilizing renewable resources for energy and ensuring safe drinking water in remote areas. Additionally, rainwater collection and purification systems contribute to the overall self-sufficiency of water resources.

The design integrates two proposed energy systems: a solar heat collecting system for heating requirements, supported by a diesel generator as a backup, and a solar photovoltaic power generation system for electricity, reflecting a commitment to reducing the overall carbon footprint.

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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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