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Spherical Form Crafted with Recycled Steel and Double-Skin Glass for Sustainable Living

Authors:
Gabriel Caetano, Adel Meghraoui, Sandy Téa Sainte, Manon Sophie Marie Josabeth Vancaeyzeele, Romain Barontini
Spherical Form Crafted with Recycled Steel and Double-Skin Glass for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing a double-skin glass façade and modular form, this microhome combines recycled steel and natural materials to create a self-sufficient living space that harmonizes with its environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a double-skin glass system for enhanced thermal performance and natural lighting.
02
Constructed with recyclable steel frames to reduce environmental impact.
03
Incorporates integrated hydroponic and aquaponic systems for food production.
04
Features a modular design that allows for easy expansion and reconfiguration.
05
Spherical form maximizes space efficiency while promoting aerodynamics.

### Project Overview
The HumaniPod is a microhome concept focused on integrating ecological and technological features within a spherical design. Located in versatile environments, including urban rooftops, coastal areas, and forested landscapes, the project aims to address contemporary housing needs while promoting efficiency, modularity, and a connection to the natural environment.

### Spatial Strategy
The design emphasizes modularity and adaptability, allowing individual units to expand and configure in various arrangements. This approach mirrors the social dynamics seen in natural formations, such as anthills, fostering both individuality and community interaction. Interior spaces are crafted for multifunctionality, promoting activities that range from relaxation to work, while ensuring a fluid transition between living areas and their natural surroundings.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material selection plays a crucial role in the project's ecological ethos. The HumaniPod employs a progressive double-skin glass system that provides thermal efficiency and natural light, while recycled steel serves as structural support, underscoring sustainability. Integrated rainwater harvesting systems enhance resource efficiency, and hydroponic and aquaponic setups are included to support food production. These features collectively contribute to a self-sufficient habitat that prioritizes environmental stewardship.

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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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