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Rooftop Micro-Homes with Polyiso Insulation and Biogas Energy Solutions

Authors:
Christina Ioannidou, Evangelia Papaspyrou, Chrysoula Tsaousidou, Anastastia Valsamaki
Rooftop Micro-Homes with Polyiso Insulation and Biogas Energy Solutions

Project in-detail

Incorporating biogas technology and polyiso insulation, this initiative transforms underutilized rooftop spaces in Athens into efficient micro-homes designed for sustainable urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design integrates rainwater collection systems to enhance resource efficiency.
02
Movable wall panels allow residents to customize their living spaces.
03
Each micro-home incorporates biogas technology for energy generation.
04
Polyiso insulation ensures high thermal efficiency throughout the year.
05
Shared outdoor areas foster community engagement among residents.

The design initiative in Athens, Greece, explores the potential of rooftop spaces by converting them into micro-homes. This approach addresses the city's significant housing challenges, marked by a shortage of affordable options amid high population density. The overall concept focuses on sustainability and building community, creating living spaces that merge comfort with practicality in a vibrant urban setting.

Flexible Living Spaces
- Movable wall panels are a key feature in the micro-homes, allowing residents to adjust their living areas according to personal needs. This adaptability maximizes the use of limited space while promoting individuality. The open layout encourages interaction among residents and integrates outdoor areas designed for communal activities.

Energy Efficiency
- These micro-homes aim to function independently from traditional energy sources. Solar energy is captured through carefully positioned openings and solar panels, providing much of the required power. Additionally, biogas technology converts organic waste into energy for cooking and heating, reducing reliance on external utilities and supporting a self-sufficient lifestyle.

Resource Conservation
- The design includes rainwater collection systems, which allow homeowners to manage water resources effectively. Rainwater is filtered and stored for various uses, enhancing sustainability. This approach not only benefits the residents but also minimizes the ecological footprint of the living spaces.

Thermal Efficiency
- Insulation plays a critical role in maintaining comfortable temperatures within the micro-homes. The combination of polyiso insulation and high-density cellulose ensures effective temperature control throughout the year. Clear zoning helps define different functional areas, while the inclusion of a mezzanine optimizes vertical space, adding utility to small living areas.

Shared outdoor spaces further encourage neighborly interactions, creating a cohesive community atmosphere in an otherwise crowded urban environment. This thoughtful approach addresses both housing shortages and the need for social connection.

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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

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