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Sustainable Living Through Repurposed Containers Enhanced with Solar Paneling and Flexible Design

Author:
Kohki Hiranuma
Sustainable Living Through Repurposed Containers Enhanced with Solar Paneling and Flexible Design

Project in-detail

Repurposed shipping containers equipped with solar paneling and customizable layouts create a sustainable and adaptable housing solution that fosters community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposed shipping containers provide a modular and flexible structure for housing.
02
Integrated solar paneling enhances energy efficiency and sustainability.
03
Customizable layouts accommodate diverse living needs and family sizes.
04
Communal outdoor pathways promote interaction among residents.
05
Heat-resistant paint improves indoor comfort in varying climates.

## Overview

The Containerized Housing Units (CHUs) project presents a modular housing solution designed for urban environments, utilizing repurposed shipping containers as primary building materials. Situated in an area designated for potential urbanization, the project addresses contemporary housing shortages by offering flexible, cost-effective living spaces. The design integrates community-oriented elements to enhance resident interaction and promotes sustainable living practices.

## Spatial Strategy

The layout of the CHUs features two main types of units: single-use and family-size containers, allowing for various configurations that suit diverse household needs. This versatility facilitates both vertical and horizontal combinations, promoting shared spaces and communal pathways. Outdoor areas, enhanced with greenery, contribute to overall livability, supporting social engagement among different demographic groups.

Each unit includes customizable floor plans, accommodating individual preferences while ensuring efficient spatial organization. The design prioritizes seamless transitions between different living areas, demonstrating an emphasis on user comfort and functionality within the compact units.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The primary construction material of the CHUs is shipping containers, chosen for their transportability and scalability. The inclusion of solar panels on the roofs enables these units to operate as self-sustaining housing options, contributing to renewable energy generation. Additionally, the exterior features corrugated sheets that serve dual purposes of insulation and aesthetic flexibility.

Heat-resistant paint is applied to mitigate thermal absorption, improving interior climate comfort. Overall, the selection of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, aligning with the project’s objectives of adaptability and resource efficiency.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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