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Solar-Panel-Faced Units Featuring Elevated Gabled Roofs and Flexible Living Spaces

Authors:
Adam Hue Xiong, Anya Vanecek
Solar-Panel-Faced Units Featuring Elevated Gabled Roofs and Flexible Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Elevated gabled roofs with integrated solar panels and flexible living spaces define a sustainable urban residence designed to enhance community interactions while providing adaptable, efficient housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated living units enhance privacy while fostering communal interaction.
02
Integrated solar panels contribute to net energy production.
03
Movable walls allow for customizable interior configurations.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems support sustainable water use.

### Overview

Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the project aims to address the evolving urban landscape characterized by an influx of residents and a focus on sustainable living solutions. Situated at the confluence of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee River, the design emphasizes the need for adaptable and versatile living spaces that foster community engagement while maintaining functionality for its users.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Connectivity

The layout is designed to enhance social interaction among residents, featuring interconnected pathways that facilitate movement and encourage communal activities. Private living units are elevated, allowing for the integration of balconies that serve as outdoor extensions of the homes. This arrangement not only supports outdoor leisure activities but also strengthens neighborhood ties. Adaptable living spaces equipped with movable walls offer flexibility to accommodate varied functions, such as home offices or guest areas, aligning with contemporary urban living demands.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A diverse range of materials is utilized to meet both aesthetic and environmental objectives. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) form the main structure, providing enhanced thermal efficiency. The exterior integrates solar panels to harness renewable energy, while rainwater harvesting systems are embedded within the design to promote resource reuse. Wood cladding contributes warmth and highlights sustainable forestry practices, whereas durable metal railings and staircases add an industrial touch, nodding to Milwaukee’s heritage. This combination of materials not only supports energy efficiency—adhering to Phius CORE standards—but also emphasizes a commitment to sustainability throughout the project.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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