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Solar-Focusing Circular Home Featuring Dri-Design Cassette Panels for Enhanced Sustainability

Authors:
Stefania Ivanova Atova, Aleksandar Danielov Sarov, Teodor Desislavov Angelov
Solar-Focusing Circular Home Featuring Dri-Design Cassette Panels for Enhanced Sustainability

Project in-detail

A solar-focusing circular design utilizing Dri-Design cassette panels promotes energy efficiency and resilience, offering a sustainable living solution in tropical savanna climates.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated on columns to minimize flood risk and facilitate ventilation.
02
Rotatable roof design maximizes solar energy capture throughout the day.
03
Dri-Design cassette panels streamline construction and enhance thermal efficiency.
04
Circular layout optimizes space utilization and promotes natural light distribution.
05
Integrated rainwater harvesting system supports water independence in dry conditions.

# Project Overview

The "1.5°C" modular house is situated in a tropical savanna climate, designed to address the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events. The intent is to create a resilient and sustainable dwelling that incorporates advanced technologies while harmonizing with the natural environment. This project aligns with the UN's IPCC Sixth Assessment Report guidelines, promoting strategies for sustainable living that are adaptable to changing ecological conditions.

## Environmental Context

Elevating the house on columns plays a vital role in its design, providing a foundation that protects against flooding and other adverse weather impacts. This approach reflects current architectural discussions surrounding resilience in the face of climate change. The tropical savanna environment, characterized by variable temperatures and rainfall patterns, directly influences the building's design decisions, ensuring it meets the demands of its context.

## Design Elements

### Materiality

The selection of materials in this project reflects a commitment to sustainability and functionality:

1. **Plaster with Finishing**: Enhances aesthetics and improves indoor air quality.
2. **Structural Insulation Panels**: Achieve superior thermal performance, essential for withstanding extreme weather conditions.
3. **Dri-Design Cassette System**: Provides a lightweight and durable structure that minimizes labor and assembly time.

These materials collectively contribute to the building's overall efficiency, integrating sustainable practices into the design process.

### Spatial Configuration

The circular layout of the house facilitates an effective spatial organization, enhancing both comfort and utility. Key areas include:

- **Living/Working Area**: A versatile space adaptable to various functions.
- **Sleeping Area**: Designed for comfort with flexible arrangements.
- **Cooking Facilities**: Implements compact, mobile components to optimize available space.
- **Bathroom and Storage Solutions**: Efficiently designed for accessibility without compromising usability.

This configuration allows for ample natural light throughout the space, creating an inviting atmosphere suitable for the tropical climate.

## Sustainability Features

Sustainability is prioritized through various integrated systems:

- **Solar Panels and Photovoltaic Integration**: The retractable roof design adjusts to weather conditions, optimizing energy capture.
- **Water Management Systems**: Features include rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling to ensure efficient water usage.
- **Waste Management**: Incorporates a dry compostable toilet to minimize environmental impact.

These features aim to establish a self-sustaining residence that reduces reliance on external resources, aligning with low-carbon future objectives.

## Unique Aspects

Distinctive elements of the project include:

- **Rotatable Roof Design**: Enhances energy efficiency by adjusting to maximize solar exposure throughout the day.
- **Modular Structure**: Facilitates easy transportation and quick assembly, catering to both temporary and permanent residential needs.
- **Innovative Furniture Design**: Multifunctional furniture such as foldable desks and chairs optimize space while maintaining usability.

These characteristics underscore the project’s adaptability and comfort, addressing the requirements of living in a challenging climatic context.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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