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Sustainable Living Through Kooltherm Insulation and Hardwood Integration in Compact Housing

Sustainable Living Through Kooltherm Insulation and Hardwood Integration in Compact Housing
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Crafted with Kooltherm insulation and hardwood elements, this compact microhome embodies efficient design optimized for sustainable living in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Kooltherm insulation for enhanced thermal efficiency.
02
Incorporates hardwood elements for durability and aesthetic quality.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes structural integrity.
04
Integrates rainwater collection systems for sustainable water use.
05
Employs multi-functional furniture to maximize compact living space.

### Project Overview
Situated in Melbourne, the Kingspan Microhome project addresses the city's escalating housing affordability crisis. With Melbourne ranked among the top ten most unaffordable housing markets globally, the design aims to provide sustainable, efficient, and affordable living solutions. The concept centers around modular construction, offering versatility in urban settings while adhering to principles of environmental sustainability.

### Spatial Organization
The design prioritizes an efficient spatial strategy that delineates functional zones, including sleeping, cooking, and storage areas. The layout fosters a sense of community while balancing privacy and interaction. Key features include an open interior layout that maximizes volume perception within a compact footprint, allowing for adaptability in furnishings and uses. The integration of multi-functional furniture further enhances the versatility of the space.

The roof structure, pitched for optimal aesthetics and rainwater collection, supports strategically placed solar panels, contributing to the home's energy independence. In addition, large windows and skylights are strategically positioned to increase natural light and ventilation, minimizing reliance on artificial lighting and climate control systems.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials reflects a commitment to both functionality and aesthetic value. Kingspan Kooltherm® K10 insulation provides an energy-efficient thermal barrier, while hardwood timber adds warmth to the interior. Durability is ensured through metal roofing, which aligns with traditional Australian architectural styles. Furthermore, some construction elements incorporate recycled materials, reinforcing the ethos of sustainability.

Sustainable features include a rainwater collection system designed to minimize water consumption, and natural air circulation through recessed eaves and operable windows that reduce the need for mechanical cooling. The design also includes a sunshade canopy that protects against summer heat while facilitating passive solar heating during winter months, embedding eco-friendly principles throughout the project.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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