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Sustainable Microhomes with Cold-Formed Steel and Greenheart Wood in a Community-Centric Design

Sustainable Microhomes with Cold-Formed Steel and Greenheart Wood in a Community-Centric Design
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Featuring cold-formed steel framing and sustainably sourced Greenheart wood, these microhomes create an adaptive living space that fosters community while addressing the housing needs of immigrant workers in Providenciales.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes cold-formed steel framing for enhanced structural stability in hurricane-prone areas.
02
Incorporates sustainably sourced Greenheart wood for both aesthetic and environmental benefits.
03
Features a rainwater harvesting system to promote resource efficiency and sustainability.
04
The layout encourages a micro-community design, fostering social interaction among residents.
05
Transformable furniture solutions maximize space utilization within compact living areas.

### Project Overview

The microhome development in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, addresses the critical need for affordable housing amidst increasing tourism-related pressures. Designed specifically for immigrant workers, the project focuses on providing dignified living solutions that prioritize sustainability and efficient use of local resources. Its intent is to foster community integration while responding to the urgent demands of the local housing market.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Development

The layout consists of 20 microhomes organized within a compact footprint of 55m x 55m, facilitating the formation of a micro-community. Shared access points and communal spaces encourage social connectivity and interaction among residents, redefining the conventional suburban model to promote cooperative living. The interior design incorporates multifunctional furniture and a raised floor system that addresses flood concerns and maximizes storage, contributing to both comfort and efficient use of space.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The project utilizes a range of sustainable materials, each selected for its performance and environmental impact. Cold-formed steel framing provides a lightweight, durable option capable of withstanding hurricane conditions. Greenheart wood, sustainably sourced from Guyana, serves as a key material for structural elements. Additionally, high-efficiency solar panels are integrated into the design to support off-grid electricity generation. The use of marine plywood in flooring and walls ensures resilience against humidity, while insulated shielding walls enhance thermal performance through natural ventilation. Rainwater harvesting and septic systems further contribute to sustainable practices, aligning with the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

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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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