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Solar-Powered Green Roofs and Modular Units in Urban Living Solutions

Authors:
Sirilak Kachin, Yuttipong Summart, Tinnapop Jongjareanpornsuk, Yada Sriboonpong
Solar-Powered Green Roofs and Modular Units in Urban Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Incorporating solar panels, green roofs, and prefabricated modular units, this residential development redefines urban living through sustainable materials and adaptable spaces tailored for community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Uses cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced structural stability and efficiency.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles to improve durability and fire resistance.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes space and natural light.
04
Integrates extensive green roofs to support biodiversity and reduce heat island effect.
05
Offers modular units that can be reconfigured to adapt to changing resident needs.

## Overview

The New Light Modular Housing project, developed by the Norman Foster Foundation, is situated in Saltika, an industrial city currently facing significant demographic shifts and housing demands. The initiative seeks to provide adaptable housing solutions that respond to the evolving needs of urban residents. By leveraging modular design principles, the project aims to foster communal living and enhance the urban landscape.

## Modular Configuration and Community Interaction

### Modular Framework

The design employs a modular system with prefabricated units that facilitate a range of configurations. This flexibility allows for residential units that can accommodate varying family sizes and lifestyles, promoting inclusion within the community. The strategic arrangement of these units is intended to optimize space while supporting efficient construction techniques and reducing onsite disruption.

### Communal Spaces

Central to the project is the emphasis on shared public areas, including gardens and designated communal zones designed to encourage social interactions among residents. These spaces aim to cultivate a sense of belonging, addressing the growing concern of urban isolation. The layout promotes accessibility and interaction, with amenities that facilitate community engagement, fostering a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere.

## Material Choice and Environmental Considerations

### Sustainable Materials

The project prioritizes sustainability through the selection of materials that balance aesthetic appeal with environmental performance. Concrete serves as the main structural element due to its durability, while steel is utilized for its strength in building connections. Large expanses of glass are incorporated to enhance natural lighting and create a connection with the surrounding environment. Green roofs and vertical gardens are integrated to promote biodiversity and improve thermal performance. Additionally, solar panels provide renewable energy, contributing to the project's self-sustaining objectives.

### Resilience and Long-term Viability

The modular design not only addresses immediate housing needs but also incorporates features aimed at resilience against urban challenges, such as flooding. By minimizing energy consumption through sustainable practices, the project contributes to a lower ecological footprint, reinforcing its long-term viability. Overall, the project exemplifies a balanced approach to modern urban housing, addressing social, ecological, and economic factors inherent in contemporary city living.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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