Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Solar-Powered Home with Recyclable Aluminum and OSB Structure

Author:
Alexey Umarov
Solar-Powered Home with Recyclable Aluminum and OSB Structure

Project in-detail

Incorporating solar power and a biodegradable waste management system, this compact dwelling utilizes recyclable aluminum and OSB materials while providing essential living space in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated solar panels provide renewable energy directly through the outer shell.
02
Dedicated compartment for biodegradable waste supports eco-friendly living.
03
Glued laminated timber ensures structural strength with minimal environmental impact.
04
Triple-glazed windows enhance energy efficiency in a compact space.
05
Mezzanine design optimizes vertical space for versatile living arrangements.

The O-Home offers a practical solution for modern living, responding to the need for efficient use of space. With dimensions of 6.25 m x 3.6 m x 4.6 m, it occupies a small footprint while providing essential comforts. The first floor includes 18.5 square meters of living space, complemented by a mezzanine of 2.5 m x 2.6 m that serves as a bedroom and workspace. The design combines functionality with a focus on sustainable practices, making it suitable for diverse urban environments.

Spatial Organization

Interior layout is organized thoughtfully to maximize usability. The design includes a kitchen zone, a living area, and a staircase that leads to the mezzanine. This arrangement encourages an open atmosphere and allows for flexible use of each space. The sleeping area is designed to be cozy, while a compact toilet room and cooking area ensure convenience. Each part of the home serves a distinct purpose, enhancing everyday living.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a core principle in the O-Home's design. Solar panels are integrated into the building's outer shell, providing renewable energy. This reduces reliance on conventional power sources and supports eco-friendly living. The home includes a compartment for biodegradable waste beneath the toilet. This element represents a thoughtful approach to managing waste in a compact home. A boiler is also incorporated for heating and storing drinking water, further promoting efficiency.

Material Choices

Materials play a significant role in the O-Home's overall design. Recyclable aluminum facade panels are used, which enhance energy performance while contributing to a modern appearance. Glued laminated timber serves as the primary structural material, ensuring strength and durability. Oriented Strand Board (OSB) beams and panels are employed for floors and partitions. This choice balances ease of construction with solid structural integrity. Clay plaster enhances comfort and sustainability, while triple-glazed windows improve energy efficiency.

The integration of these design elements creates a cohesive environment that focuses on sustainability and everyday function. A narrow bridge connects storage areas, optimizing space usage and organization. This thoughtful detail reinforces the practical ethos embedded within the O-Home, exemplifying how design can effectively meet the challenges of contemporary living.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy