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Sustainable Living With Kingspan Structural Panels and Native Landscaping

Authors:
Danh Thanh Thai, Noa Younse
Sustainable Living With Kingspan Structural Panels and Native Landscaping

Project in-detail

Utilizing Kingspan structural panels for enhanced energy efficiency and integrating native landscaping, this off-grid dwelling addresses the need for sustainable housing while promoting community connectivity in a compact footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Kingspan structural panels for superior thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates a bent A-frame design to enhance natural light and optimize space.
03
Features an innovative rainwater harvesting system integrated into the roof structure.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
05
Integrates native plant landscaping to promote biodiversity and reduce maintenance.

## Overview

Located in Vermont, the FOUNDE project addresses local housing challenges through a sustainable and socially responsible architectural approach. The design integrates harmoniously with the natural surroundings, aiming to meet the diverse needs of its users while prioritizing ecological preservation.

## Spatial Configuration and Community Integration

FOUNDE features a single-story structure characterized by an angular roofline that facilitates rainwater harvesting and minimizes snow load. The internal layout promotes fluid connectivity among spaces, with a combined kitchen, living, and dining area that encourages social interactions. A versatile bedroom equipped with a wall bed supports various living arrangements, catering to both small families and communal residents. The strategic placement of outdoor amenities, such as a covered terrace, extends the living area into the surrounding landscape, fostering a connection with nature and enhancing community engagement.

## Sustainable Material Use

The project employs a selection of sustainable, locally sourced materials to enhance energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Kingspan TEK Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) contribute significantly to thermal performance, while recycled aggregate concrete used for the foundation exemplifies resource efficiency. Natural wood siding provides both aesthetic appeal and weather protection, and solar panels generate renewable energy to support the dwelling's energy needs. Each material choice reflects a commitment to sustainability, ensuring the building not only meets current living standards but also reduces its carbon footprint over time.

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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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