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Suspended Living Spaces With Aluminum Composite Panels and Integrated Solar Solutions For Urban Resilience

Authors:
Joshua Dillin, Luke Lawrence Dole, Christopher Sweeney
Suspended Living Spaces With Aluminum Composite Panels and Integrated Solar Solutions For Urban Resilience

Project in-detail

Suspended living modules constructed with aluminum composite panels and solar integration transform underutilized urban bridges into resilient housing solutions for climate refugees.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended modules utilize existing bridge structures, minimizing land use.
02
Aluminum composite panels enhance durability while maintaining lightweight design.
03
Integrated solar arrays provide energy independence for residents.
04
Multi-purpose communal areas promote social interaction among inhabitants.
05
High-performance insulation ensures thermal comfort in varying climates.

## Overview

"Secured" proposes a solution to the increasing challenge of climate displacement within the Rust Belt region, specifically in Buffalo, New York. This initiative seeks to repurpose underutilized urban infrastructure, such as bridges, into environmentally resilient living spaces designed to accommodate displaced populations. The proposal emphasizes the dual objectives of providing immediate shelter for climate refugees while fostering community interaction and engagement.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration

The design incorporates a series of tiered living units that utilize prefabricated, angular modules suspended from or attached to existing bridge structures. This spatial strategy optimizes both functional and aesthetic aspects, enhancing light exposure and views while maximizing the use of urban space. Central to the design are multi-purpose common areas that encourage social interaction, aiming to cultivate a sense of belonging among residents. The layout is intentionally designed to facilitate community engagement, promoting activities that strengthen connections within the resident population.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project's material palette is carefully chosen for its durability, sustainability, and visual impact. A robust steel frame offers structural integrity and supports the suspended modules, while lightweight aluminum composite panels enable rapid construction and weather resistance. Transparent glass inserts enhance natural light infiltration and provide residents with expansive views, contributing to their psychological well-being. Additionally, some modules integrate solar panels to promote energy efficiency and independence, while high-performance insulation ensures comfort regardless of external weather conditions. This thoughtful approach to materiality underscores the commitment to sustainability and resilience within the architectural framework.

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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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