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Solar Chimney and PTFE Composite Modules for Flexible Urban Living

Authors:
Ahmad Nouraldeen, Francesco Angiulli, Naim Zgheib, Hassan Roumieh
Solar Chimney and PTFE Composite Modules for Flexible Urban Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with PTFE composite modules and equipped with a solar chimney, this flexible housing solution redefines urban living in Las Vegas by integrating vertical farming and communal spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Capsule modules are designed for easy assembly and disassembly.
02
A solar chimney enhances natural ventilation and reduces energy consumption.
03
Integrated vertical farming supports local food production within the urban setting.
04
The outer skin utilizes a durable PTFE composite for weather resistance.
05
Multiple configurations allow for adaptable living spaces tailored to user needs.

Capsule Reef provides affordable housing in Las Vegas with a focus on modular living solutions. Located along the busy Las Vegas Strip, it uses vacant urban spaces such as rooftops and empty lots. The design aims to create a community of modular housing units that can adapt to different needs through various configurations.

Modular Design

Modularity is central to the concept, offering diverse configurations such as Individual Capsules, Triplex units, and Triplex + Garden options. This flexibility allows residents to select layouts that best fit their lifestyles while encouraging community interaction. The omni-structure supports the easy assembly of units, facilitating a living environment that can change as needs evolve.

Sustainability Features

The design includes vertical systems that enhance sustainability, such as aquaponic urban farming and a solar chimney. These features support efficient management of resources while improving the indoor comfort of residents. Aquaponics enables local food production within the urban setting, and the solar chimney provides natural ventilation, helping to reduce energy demands.

Materiality

Typical materials used in Capsule Reef support both functionality and overall design. The inner skin features reflective glazing, which helps control heat gain and boosts energy efficiency. The outer skin is constructed from a PTFE composite, providing durability and resistance to weathering. Together, these materials contribute to the project’s focus on living environments that are both sustainable and resilient.

Community Integration

The different housing configurations support multiple functions, such as living, recreation, and workspace. This adaptability encourages social interaction and contributes to a vibrant community atmosphere. Green spaces and communal areas are incorporated throughout the design, promoting engagement among residents and emphasizing the value of shared experiences.

The capsules are designed to create a sense of belonging while allowing inhabitants to thrive in the lively context of Las Vegas. The layout and thoughtful integration of communal areas enhance the livability of the environment, balancing private needs with shared spaces within the urban landscape.

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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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