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Sustainable Microhomes With Cold-Formed Steel And Greenheart Wood In A Community-Centric Design

Author:
Kimberlyn Tiaka Bacchus
Sustainable Microhomes With Cold-Formed Steel And Greenheart Wood In A Community-Centric Design

Project in-detail

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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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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