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SIPs and Eco-Preservation in Agricultural Housing Development

Authors:
Rafael Abarca Maichil, Francesca Riquelme Sanchez, Elizabeth Hawas Rodriguez, Juan Godoy Asencio
SIPs and Eco-Preservation in Agricultural Housing Development

Project in-detail

Constructed with Structural Insulated Panels and situated within the canola fields of Lunping, the eco-preservation housing integrates agricultural practices with community living, fostering sustainability and local engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using Structural Insulated Panels for enhanced thermal performance.
02
Features an integrated plaza-farm-market as a community gathering space.
03
Located within canola fields, promoting agricultural interaction and tourism.
04
Design fosters direct engagement with local farming practices for residents.
05
Emphasizes eco-preservation through strategic site planning and landscape integration.

The architectural design focuses on creating a balance between rural living and agricultural activity in the fields of Lunping, China. It responds to the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and population growth. The goal is to weave together residential spaces with productive landscapes, promoting sustainable living while respecting local customs. The design concept highlights the importance of ecological preservation and community interaction by utilizing the natural features of the surrounding hills.

Design Concept

The primary aim is to build new relationships between homes and farming that cater to both local residents and visitors. A layout that supports interaction among people is key here. This includes a buffer zone that features a plaza-farm-market, functioning as a space between the agricultural area and the commercial parts of the city. This arrangement allows residents and tourists to engage meaningfully with each other and the landscape.

Spatial Integration

The plan integrates housing with local farming systems, encouraging residents to engage with agricultural practices directly. This approach not only supports daily living but also strengthens community ties. By combining work and home life, the design enhances social connections and economic stability. The focus on local context keeps the unique characteristics of the landscape in mind while responding to contemporary needs.

Material Application

The project employs Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for its construction, specifically for the ground and first floors. These panels have dimensions of 1.2 m x 2.4 m. They were chosen for their effective insulation and structural benefits. Additionally, the design incorporates metal structure frames of various sizes to ensure both strength and stability. This material choice supports efficient building practices while meeting the architectural demands of the project.

Design Outcomes

With spaces available for relaxation and recreation at the edges of the hills, the design encourages engagement with the environment. These elements aim to enrich the lifestyle of the community while preserving ecological integrity. By linking urban and agricultural living, the design demonstrates an approach that addresses current challenges while respecting the cultural and environmental context of the area. The result is a thoughtful response to both human needs and the landscape itself.

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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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