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Rooftop Housing Solutions Featuring Monocrystalline Panels and Green Balconies

Authors:
Shuxian Liang, Jiancheng Lin, Zhichao Lin, Qian Kang
Rooftop Housing Solutions Featuring Monocrystalline Panels and Green Balconies

Project in-detail

Off-grid residential modules on rooftops incorporate Monocrystalline panels and green balconies, providing sustainable housing solutions for young couples in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Residential modules are placed on rooftops to increase living space without altering ground-level architecture.
02
The design incorporates a service belt for efficient organization of domestic functions.
03
Green balconies enhance urban biodiversity and provide outdoor recreational opportunities.
04
A comprehensive water management system supports efficient resource usage in dense urban contexts.
05
Monocrystalline panels are utilized for renewable energy generation, aligning with sustainable living practices.

The design project located at Fengyuan Road in the Liwan District of Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, aims to tackle housing shortages for young couples in a city characterized by a low floor area ratio. The overall concept focuses on modularity, flexibility, and integration with the community. By considering the urban context, the design enhances modern living while respecting the existing architectural style of the area.

Design Concept

The layout employs an integrated wall structure that forms the basis for various living spaces, including dining and cooking areas. This approach emphasizes functionality while allowing for adaptability in residential environments. The arrangement is purposefully designed to maximize space and user accessibility, contributing to a comfortable and inviting living atmosphere.

Sustainable Features

Outdoor balconies serve as green gardens, introducing ecological elements into the urban setting. These balconies not only improve the environmental quality of the surroundings but also offer residents opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. The incorporation of nature within the design promotes a sense of well-being and fosters a connection with the outside world.

Community Integration

Off-grid residential modules are placed on rooftops to provide effective housing solutions while encouraging neighborhood engagement. This configuration increases the floor area ratio of the old town, revitalizing the community without disrupting the historical character of the area. The thoughtful arrangement of residential units allows for creative use of space, addressing local housing needs in a practical manner.

Sustainability Measures

A photovoltaic system featuring Monocrystalline Silicon Double-sided PV Panels supports the energy requirements of the residential units. With peak efficiencies between 285W and 356W, these panels align with sustainable living practices. Additionally, the design includes a comprehensive water management system, consisting of storage tanks for both cold and hot water, as well as provisions for grey and black water. This thoughtful approach to resource management reflects an understanding of the necessities in densely populated urban environments.

The design features balconies that extend from the living space, creating functional areas for relaxation and engagement with the environment. This detail emphasizes a balance between urban life and nature, enhancing the overall living experience.

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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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