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Textile Waste Micro Homes With Ocean Views Featuring Integrated Solar Solutions and Adaptive Living Spaces

Authors:
John Alexander Foreman, Derek Sew, Connor Clearwater, Samuel Quiles De Almeida
Textile Waste Micro Homes With Ocean Views Featuring Integrated Solar Solutions and Adaptive Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed from repurposed textile waste, these micro homes offer innovative insulation and passive cooling solutions, all while providing essential housing with expansive ocean views in a sustainable framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes repurposed textile waste as the primary building material for insulation and structure.
02
Incorporates a desalination system for sustainable water supply from ocean resources.
03
Features passive ventilation systems designed to enhance indoor climate control naturally.
04
Arranged in cantilevered configurations to maximize ocean views and optimize drainage.
05
Employs local materials, including Radiata pine, to support regional ecological practices.

### Overview

Located in the Tarapacá Region of Chile, near Iquique City and adjacent to the Atacama Desert, the "Re-Constructed Outlook" project addresses the environmental challenges posed by textile waste from the fast fashion industry. The initiative centers on creating eco-friendly micro homes, focusing on sustainability and aesthetics through the innovative use of recycled materials. This design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the area but also fosters a deeper connection between residents and their environment.

### Material Utilization Strategy

The project employs various innovative materials that emphasize sustainability and functional design. The primary construction element is textile waste, repurposed into thermal insulation blocks through a process of shredding, binding with organic casein-based adhesives, and molding. This method ensures structural integrity while providing insulation and visual interest. Additional materials include recycled glass sourced from polluted beaches and sustainably harvested Radiata pine wood. Solar panels are integrated into the design to harness renewable energy, while passive ventilation elements improve indoor climate control. This combination reflects a thoughtful approach to materiality, addressing both ecological performance and aesthetic considerations.

### Architectural and Spatial Configuration

The layout of the micro homes features cantilevered structures that extend toward the ocean, optimizing views and enabling drainage during high tides. An open floor plan enhances functionality, accommodating fold-out furniture to maximize usable space and adapt to various living situations. Each unit is equipped with a desalination system that converts ocean water into drinking water, illustrating a responsive design tailored to the region's resources and climate. The project not only meets housing needs but also serves as a model for community engagement and environmental awareness through its educational potential and support for local economies.

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

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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

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