Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Sustainable Shipping Container Home Featuring Fiber Cement Cladding and Solar Energy Solutions

Authors:
Francesco Creatini, Irene Bianchi
Sustainable Shipping Container Home Featuring Fiber Cement Cladding and Solar Energy Solutions

Project in-detail

Constructed from repurposed shipping containers, this micro home incorporates fiber cement cladding and solar energy solutions to create a compact, self-sufficient living space in the Tuscany countryside.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from repurposed shipping containers for sustainability.
02
Utilizes fiber cement cladding for enhanced durability and insulation.
03
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for efficient water management.
04
Features expansive glass panels to maximize natural light and views.
05
Offers modular design flexibility for future adaptations or relocations.

### Project Overview

Located in the Tuscan countryside, this architectural initiative involves the transformation of two standard shipping containers into a compact micro home with a floor area of 25 square meters. The design prioritizes minimal environmental impact, incorporating sustainable practices and materials to create a living space that aligns with its natural surroundings.

### Environmental Integration

The design emphasizes self-sufficiency by leveraging local resources for energy and water management. Large openings and strategically placed skylights are utilized to optimize natural light and maintain visual connections with the outdoors. This approach enhances the feeling of spatial continuity and connection between the interior and the landscape.

### Modular and Adaptive Construction

The micro home’s modular construction allows for efficient assembly and flexibility to adapt to diverse climatic conditions. This structural strategy not only differentiates the micro home from traditional housing options but also addresses economic challenges associated with high property costs. The design includes robust materials such as shipping containers, fiber cement paneling for insulation, and glass panels to maximize natural light while ensuring structural integrity and thermal efficiency.

### Interior Space Configuration

The internal layout is designed for flexibility, delineating shared and private areas while facilitating a fluid movement between functional spaces. Key areas such as the kitchen, dining, and workspaces are configured to support diverse activities, enhanced by multi-functional furnishings that optimize spatial utility without compromising openness. Expansive views through glass panels further enrich the living experience by inviting the natural environment into the home.

### Material Selection

The choice of materials reflects sustainability objectives without sacrificing durability or aesthetic quality. Shipping containers serve as the primary structural element, complemented by solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and laminated wood for both structural and decorative purposes. This combination not only bolsters the project's sustainability goals but also contributes to a visual contrast of modern and rustic elements that resonates with the local architectural context.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
Competition organisers

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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy