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Sustainable Microhomes Crafted from Shipping Containers with Integrated Solar Panels

Authors:
Szabolcs Herdics, Gergely Horváth
Sustainable Microhomes Crafted from Shipping Containers with Integrated Solar Panels

Project in-detail

Constructed from shipping containers with integrated solar panels and dynamic furniture systems, this initiative redefines urban living by providing sustainable microhomes designed for community engagement and resource efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed using repurposed shipping containers to maximize urban space efficiency.
02
Incorporates solar panels for renewable energy, enhancing sustainability.
03
Features dynamic furniture systems for flexible living arrangements.
04
Promotes community engagement through shared communal spaces.
05
Utilizes rainwater harvesting systems to optimize water resource management.

ReCoHome is an architectural project focused on converting shipping containers into microhomes situated in Budapest. The project addresses urban housing shortages through a modular design that emphasizes efficiency and sustainability. The concept integrates the principles of versatility and community living into residential architecture, making effective use of previously underutilized urban spaces. The homes prioritize essential living needs while fostering social interaction among residents.

The main structural component of ReCoHome consists of 40-foot shipping containers, which serve as the foundational units. This choice of materials supports quick assembly and transport, allowing flexibility for various urban environments. Each unit is designed to maximize space efficiency, accommodating multi-purpose functionalities to suit the needs of residents, whether singular or communal.

A distinctive feature of ReCoHome is its focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. The design incorporates solar panels for renewable energy generation and utilizes rainwater harvesting systems for resource efficiency. Furthermore, the interior finishes include sustainable wood options, ensuring a lower environmental impact while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the living spaces.

Architectural Plans and Spaces

The architectural plans for ReCoHome feature a variety of layouts that support both privacy and communal living. The spatial organization includes essential facilities within each microhome, such as kitchens and bathrooms, while also designating communal areas that enhance interaction among residents. These shared spaces serve multiple purposes, including social gatherings, study rooms, and recreational areas, reflecting the project's commitment to creating a supportive community environment.

The flexibility of the design is further enhanced by dynamic furniture systems that allow residents to customize their living areas according to individual preferences. This adaptability is critical in microhousing, where maximizing usable space is essential. The integration of retractable partitions and modular furniture adjusts to the residents' needs without compromising the overall aesthetic.

Unique Design Approaches to Modular Living

What sets ReCoHome apart from other architectural projects of its kind is its approach to community engagement and the reconfiguration of underutilized land. By repurposing shipping containers, ReCoHome demonstrates how affordable housing solutions can be both practical and environmentally conscious. The design also encourages social cohesion through shared facilities, breaking the isolation often experienced in urban living situations.

The project embraces an industrial aesthetic typical of container architecture while ensuring that functionality remains a priority. By balancing the rugged qualities of steel with warm interior materials, ReCoHome creates inviting living spaces that resonate with contemporary urban lifestyles. This architectural design promotes community-building while addressing critical housing shortages, making it a pragmatic and forward-thinking model for sustainable living.

Explore the project presentation for additional insights into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and innovative architectural ideas that define ReCoHome. Gain a deeper understanding of the design's vision and the unique functionalities that it offers in response to pressing urban challenges.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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