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Solar Panel Glass Ceiling in Compact Micro Living Units

Authors:
Baris Ozdol, Nida Sagiroglu
Solar Panel Glass Ceiling in Compact Micro Living Units

Project in-detail

A solar panel glass ceiling enhances energy efficiency in compact micro living units, designed for urban environments with a focus on affordability and multifunctionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Solar panel glass ceiling provides direct energy support.
02
Units are designed for 3D printing construction methods.
03
Curvy Micro emphasizes a multifunction living space.
04
Boxy Micro features adaptable four-wall design.
05
Community spaces reduce commuting needs for residents.

The recent design features two housing solutions, the Curvy Micro and Boxy Micro, as well as a larger communal arrangement called The Macro. Set in an urban environment facing a high demand for affordable living options, these units aim to efficiently use space while also being sustainable. They focus on blending individual needs with community life, offering a fresh perspective on modern urban living.

Curvy Micro

The Curvy Micro acts as a compact alternative to conventional housing models. It emphasizes flexibility and efficiency in design. The construction can utilize local and experimental methods, allowing it to adapt to various site conditions. Additionally, the possibility of 3D printing is considered, which incorporates modern technology into the building process.

Spatially, the Curvy Micro consists of an 18 sqm multifunction living area, a WC and shower totaling 3.5 sqm, and a bedding space of 3.19 sqm. This brings the overall area to 24.69 sqm. The layout allows for a variety of activities while ensuring privacy for its occupants. It features a solar panel glass ceiling that captures sunlight for energy, which supports its sustainable focus. Rainwater collection and waste management systems further enhance its environmental approach.

Boxy Micro

In contrast, the Boxy Micro focuses on a simple four-wall design. This straightforward style is easy to adapt to different architectural preferences. Covering an area of 24.96 sqm, it offers a practical layout that includes a living room with an open kitchen, a separate sleeping area, and a standard bathroom.

This arrangement maximizes the use of space and meets urban living requirements. The Boxy Micro prioritizes privacy while still facilitating a shared community atmosphere through the use of common facilities.

The Macro

The Macro presents a communal living concept that incorporates individual units into a broader context. Each block contains four Curvy Micro units, along with integrated green spaces that enhance the surroundings. The ground floors are designed for community activities, such as coworking spaces, cinemas, libraries, and fitness areas. This design promotes social interaction and reduces the need for residents to travel far for daily conveniences.

The aim is to foster a close-knit community while offering various spaces for social engagement. The Macro's design blends private living with shared experiences, encouraging residents to interact and connect.

A notable aspect of the designs is the inclusion of garden spaces, which allow residents to grow plants and greenery. These areas enhance the living environment and contribute to a sustainable and pleasant atmosphere in urban settings.

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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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