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Sustainable Living Through Kooltherm Insulation and Hardwood Integration in Compact Housing

Author:
Lisa A Garner
Sustainable Living Through Kooltherm Insulation and Hardwood Integration in Compact Housing

Project in-detail

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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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
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