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Sustainable Polystyrene Shelters with Timber Louvers for Community Resilience

Authors:
Zane Richter, Tayla Bezant, Chiara Cannavicci, Ana Castro carrasco
Sustainable Polystyrene Shelters with Timber Louvers for Community Resilience

Project in-detail

Utilizing polystyrene panels and timber louvers, this adaptable shelter is designed to enhance community resilience while providing essential emergency housing solutions in varied climates.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes lightweight polystyrene panels for efficient insulation and rapid assembly.
02
Incorporates adjustable timber louvers for enhanced ventilation and privacy control.
03
Features a modular design enabling interconnectivity for adaptive space solutions.
04
Integrates landscaped outdoor areas to promote community interaction and ecological benefits.
05
Applies a proprietary rail system for easy reconfiguration based on environmental needs.
The project named ACCESS - 2P presents an architectural design aimed at providing emergency shelter solutions that are adaptable to various climatic conditions and community needs. Located in Western Australia, the design focuses on modular components that can be easily assembled, reconfigured, and expanded based on situational requirements. This adaptability positions the project as an essential resource in both urban and remote environments, offering a scalable response to shelter demands.

The design incorporates lightweight polystyrene panels for insulation, ensuring efficient thermal regulation while allowing for flexible spatial arrangements. The use of fabric in the structure serves dual purposes: it provides shade protection and assists in maintaining comfortable internal temperatures, particularly in coastal and hot regions. Additionally, the incorporation of wire and timber louvers enhances ventilation while maintaining privacy, allowing inhabitants to control light and airflow effectively.

Unique Design Approaches

ACCESS - 2P differentiates itself from standard emergency shelters through its modularity and site-responsive design principles. The modular units are aligned with a proprietary rail system, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly. This characteristic not only optimizes the use of resources but also enables the seamless integration of shelters within varying landscapes. The design emphasizes green integration, with provisions for landscaping that encourage the growth of climbing plants, thus enhancing ecological benefits and aesthetics.

The outdoor panels are operable, allowing users to adjust their configuration based on seasonal changes and climatic conditions. This flexibility is complemented by communal areas that facilitate social interaction, which is key in emergency settings. The design reflects an understanding of community dynamics by merging private and shared spaces, promoting interaction while still allowing personal retreat.

Sustainable Material Choices

The materials selected for the ACCESS - 2P project highlight sustainability and efficiency. The polystyrene panels not only provide structural integrity but also contribute to energy conservation. The combination of wire and timber louvers presents a balanced approach to ventilation and design, providing necessary adjustments for diverse weather scenarios. The integration of outdoor elements further underscores the importance of environmental context, creating shelters that are not only functional but also harmoniously aligned with their surroundings.

The project’s focus on adaptability, community engagement, and sustainability positions ACCESS - 2P as a forward-thinking approach to emergency architecture. For a deeper understanding of the architectural strategies and specific design implementations, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs associated with this project. These insights will reveal the full scope of innovative architectural ideas embedded within ACCESS - 2P.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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