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Survival Roofs and Underground Yards in Flexible Microhomes Utilizing Natural Materials

Authors:
Minwoo Jeong, Hae Chan Heo
Survival Roofs and Underground Yards in Flexible Microhomes Utilizing Natural Materials

Project in-detail

With a survival roof designed for energy efficiency and secure underground yards that promote community interaction, this architectural solution provides essential microhomes tailored for conflict zones.
5 key facts about this project
01
Survival roof integrates solar energy collection and rainwater harvesting.
02
Secure underground yards enhance safety and provide outdoor space.
03
Circular layouts promote communal living and efficient movement.
04
Natural materials, including charred shingles, blend with the environment.
05
Modular design allows for scalability and collective community formation.

### Project Overview
The Camouflage Home is designed to address the housing needs in regions affected by conflict and instability. Emphasizing sustainability and community engagement, the project aims to provide safe, flexible living spaces that integrate with the natural environment. Central to the design are microhomes that blend into their surroundings, enhancing security and visual coherence within the landscape.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction
Featuring a circular floor plan, the layout promotes fluid movement while accommodating community living and private areas. The design includes a communal living space that encourages interactions, with large windows that invite natural light. Private quarters are arranged to balance functionality with comfort, while utility areas, including kitchens and bathrooms, are strategically placed to enhance accessibility and foster social engagement.

### Sustainable Material Usage
A focus on environmentally responsible materials characterizes the construction of the Camouflage Home. Wood provides structural support and aesthetic appeal, while expansive glass panels enhance light and connection to the outdoors. Durable concrete forms the foundational elements. Additionally, the design incorporates energy-efficient systems such as solar panels and rainwater collection, reinforcing the goal of self-sufficiency in challenging environments.

### Design Innovations
Key features include a “survival roof” designed for solar energy collection and rainwater harvesting, and a safe underground yard, which offers outdoor access while ensuring resident safety. A dedicated cultural space encourages community gatherings, fostering social cohesion. The overall design respects local ecological conditions, minimizing disruption to the habitat and enhancing the living experience.

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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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