Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Steel Frame Homes Featuring Quadcore Insulation and Community Gardens for Sustainable Living

Author:
Barbara Valverde Filgueiras
Steel Frame Homes Featuring Quadcore Insulation and Community Gardens for Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with a steel frame and equipped with QuadCore insulation, the micro-homes integrate renewable energy solutions and communal gardens to provide affordable housing while fostering community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a steel frame for rapid assembly.
02
Incorporates QuadCore insulation for superior energy efficiency.
03
Features communal gardens to promote sustainability and social interaction.
04
Utilizes rainwater harvesting systems for responsible water management.
05
Designed with large operable windows to enhance natural ventilation.

## Overview

The "Micro-Community - Macro Impact" architectural design project addresses critical housing issues faced by individuals in financial distress and those residing in informal settlements. Located in a context where affordable housing is increasingly essential, this initiative proposes modular, eco-friendly home units aimed at promoting social interaction and enhancing living conditions for young professionals. The design prioritizes adaptability to various environments and emphasizes the creation of vibrant communities.

### Spatial Integration and Community Configuration

The micro-homes are strategically designed to maximize spatial efficiency while fostering community engagement. The layout incorporates shared green spaces and communal amenities, which serve to strengthen social ties among residents. This design approach balances the need for privacy with opportunities for collaboration, facilitating a cohesive living environment. Interiors are characterized by an open concept that promotes fluid movement between living, cooking, and relaxation areas, often enhanced by multipurpose furniture to optimize space utilization.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainable material choices form the foundation of the project, ensuring both functionality and environmental responsibility. The use of prefabricated steel frames supports rapid assembly and minimizes construction waste. Kingspan's QuadCore™ insulated roof panels offer high thermal performance, reducing energy consumption. Additional features such as recycled water systems and eco-friendly paints further minimize ecological impact while contributing to resident well-being.

Commitment to sustainability extends to energy efficiency; homes are equipped with photovoltaic panels for grid independence, while rainwater harvesting systems promote effective water management. Waste reduction strategies, including dedicated composting and recycling areas, cultivate ecological awareness within the community. The addition of a community garden reinforces local food production and environmental stewardship, fostering a sense of belonging among residents.

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
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
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