Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Sustainable Housing Crafted from Engineered Timber Panels with Integrated Solar Solutions

Author:
Laurence Dragomir
Sustainable Housing Crafted from Engineered Timber Panels with Integrated Solar Solutions

Project in-detail

Crafted from engineered timber panels and equipped with integrated solar solutions, the design transforms vacant office spaces into adaptable micro-living units that address urban housing demands.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes engineered timber panels for enhanced structural efficiency.
02
Incorporates solar panels for energy self-sufficiency.
03
Features a compact, flexible layout adaptable for diverse living needs.
04
Includes internal gardens for improved air quality and resident wellness.
05
Designed to repurpose vacant office spaces, revitalizing urban areas.

### Project Overview
Located in Melbourne, Australia, the PO_CO microhome initiative aims to address urban housing challenges heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. By converting vacant office spaces into habitable units, the project responds to the increasing demand for affordable housing and the evolving hybrid working models that integrate residential and professional environments.

### Material and Structural Strategy
The architectural design prioritizes sustainability through the use of adaptive materials. Lightweight steel frames ensure structural integrity and enable prefabrication, while engineered timber panels provide aesthetic warmth and align with eco-friendly objectives. High-performance glazing enhances thermal efficiency and natural lighting, contributing to reduced energy consumption. Solar panels on the roof complement these efforts by harnessing renewable energy, underscoring the project's commitment to environmental responsibility.

### Spatial and Functional Configuration
The PO_CO design incorporates a compact layout that emphasizes flexibility. Interchangeable living spaces accommodate both domestic and work-related activities, thus adapting to the diverse needs of users. A modular amenities pod houses essential services such as kitchens and bathrooms, preserving the uncluttered nature of the main living area. Dedicated entryways facilitate a smooth transition between personal and professional domains, crucial for maintaining work-life balance. Outdoor integration is fundamental, with balconies featuring greenery and internal gardens enhancing air quality and promoting well-being within an urban context.

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
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