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Straw and ETFE Housing That Emphasizes Sustainable Living

Author:
Jiayi Jin
Straw and ETFE Housing That Emphasizes Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with agricultural waste and enhanced by transparent ETFE pillows, this housing solution prioritizes energy efficiency and sustainable living while offering adaptable, modular spaces for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Developed using agricultural waste, promoting eco-friendly construction methods.
02
Features transparent ETFE pillows for enhanced natural light and thermal efficiency.
03
Incorporates modular design elements to allow easy relocation and adaptability.
04
Utilizes recycled materials extensively, minimizing environmental impact.
05
Fosters community interaction through shared outdoor spaces and multifunctional interiors.

The project features two modular homes, the Wood House and the Straw House, which focus on sustainability and flexibility in design. Located in a modern context that seeks eco-friendly solutions, these homes aim to create a strong connection between the living spaces and the surrounding environment. The overall design concept emphasizes a blend of indoor and outdoor experiences, making residents feel more in tune with nature.

Wood House

The Wood House showcases a distinct facade made of shingles along with OSB sheathing. This combination provides both aesthetic appeal and structural strength. Recycled wooden boards are used throughout the home, reinforcing the commitment to sustainable practices and resource efficiency. The design meets contemporary housing needs while being considerate of ecological impacts.



Inside, the space is well thought out, featuring furniture and platforms made from pallets. This choice maximizes utility while maintaining a clean look. Mobile closets are hidden in walls, which adds to the sense of openness in the home. The design also includes folded stairs that facilitate easy movement within the space. Natural light brightens the interior thanks to recycled window frames filled with transparent ETFE pillows, which also help regulate temperature.



Straw House

The Straw House takes a different approach, using agricultural waste as the main building material. The exterior features thatch and straw board, giving it a natural, earthy appearance that connects it with the landscape. These materials not only showcase environmentally friendly choices but also reflect local building traditions that minimize waste.



Decorative elements inside the Straw House include straw basket work, which adds character to the space while highlighting craftsmanship. Balustrades made from natural straw rope and flooring treated with polyurethane complete the interior design, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The home’s passive thermal design significantly cuts down on energy use, making it a practical choice for modern living.



Both homes are modular, which allows them to adapt to various living arrangements. This flexibility addresses current urban housing challenges, encouraging smaller living spaces that promote community interaction. Each design integrates modern technology with sustainability in mind, focusing on the need for homes that provide comfort while supporting social ties. The attention to detail, such as the rattan accents in the Straw House, helps unify the interior with its natural environment.

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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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