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Sustainable Living Through Green Concrete and Palm Wood in Modular Housing

Author:
Krystin May Jimenez Ymson
Sustainable Living Through Green Concrete and Palm Wood in Modular Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing green concrete and palm wood, the design integrates modularity and sustainability to create adaptable housing solutions that address contemporary living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes palm wood mashrabiyah for natural ventilation and privacy.
02
Integrates solar panels with kinetic tiles for energy efficiency.
03
Features a flexible layout with movable partitions for adaptable living.
04
Constructed with green concrete made from recycled materials.
05
Incorporates a landscape design that enhances air quality and aesthetics.

## Project Overview

Located in a dynamic urban environment, the project employs modularity as a core design principle. The architectural framework is defined by a repeating unit of 3 x 3 meter cubes, facilitating spatial organization and offering flexibility for future modifications. This strategy aims to accommodate diverse user needs and promote personalization within each living space.

## Modularity and Spatial Arrangement

The focus on modular living enables adaptive alterations to both the structure and its internal configuration. Key features include movable partitions made from palm wood, allowing spaces to be reconfigured for various functions such as social gatherings. The stacking of cubes permits a variety of architectural expressions, reflecting the individual identities of residents.

The primary construction material, green concrete, incorporates recycled materials, promoting sustainability through low energy requirements and reduced carbon footprint.

## Integration with Natural Elements

The design includes a carefully considered landscape, featuring palm trees and other vegetation that enhance both aesthetic appeal and indoor air quality. Additionally, traditional meshwork known as *mashrabiyah* is employed in the facade, created from palm wood to provide privacy and facilitate airflow.

Energy efficiency is further emphasized with the inclusion of solar panels and kinetic energy tiles, along with a radiant cooling system that minimizes reliance on conventional HVAC solutions.

### Floor Plans and Expandability

Detailed floor plans showcase two levels with designated areas for living spaces, dining, and private quarters. Notable features include ground-level access to a courtyard and a carport, with upper-level bedrooms adaptable for various uses, including home offices. The design allows for the potential combination of units, accommodating larger families and adapting to evolving needs within the community.

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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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