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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.
The architectural project, titled "A Re-Constructed Outlook," is located in the Tarapacá Region of Chile, near Iquique City, and aims to provide sustainable housing solutions using textile waste as the primary building material. This initiative addresses significant environmental issues associated with the fast fashion industry by transforming waste into architectural elements. Each micro home is designed to foster a connection between inhabitants and their natural surroundings, while also providing a practical response to local housing needs.

Sustainable Materials and Construction Techniques

The project utilizes an innovative approach by incorporating textile waste, recycled glass, and sustainably sourced Radiata pine wood. The textile waste is processed into thermal insulation blocks through shredding and binding with organic casein-based adhesives, maintaining structural integrity while enhancing insulation properties. Recycled glass contributes to both acoustic and visual aspects of the homes. The use of solar panels allows the houses to harness renewable energy, further aligning with the project’s sustainable ethos.

An important aspect of the design is its adaptive living spaces. The micro homes are configured in a cantilevered arrangement, which not only optimizes views of the ocean but also facilitates efficient water drainage. Open floor plans with multifunctional furniture make the living areas versatile, catering to varying occupant needs. Additionally, integrated passive ventilation systems enhance air circulation, ensuring that indoor environments remain comfortable without excessive reliance on mechanical systems.

Innovative Design Approaches

The project's distinctiveness lies in its integration of recycled materials into the fabric of the architecture. This not only reduces waste but also highlights a commitment to environmental stewardship. The aesthetic of the micro homes is characterized by a harmonious blend of natural forms and textures, achieved through the thoughtful application of textile waste and other local materials. The cantilevered structures echo the movement of the ocean waves, creating a visual dialogue between architecture and nature.

Furthermore, the project serves a dual purpose: it provides essential housing while educating the community on sustainable building practices. This engagement promotes awareness of environmental issues and encourages local participation in the sustainability narrative.

Architectural Functionality and Community Impact

Functionally, the micro homes feature self-sufficient systems designed to collect and purify water through desalination technology, addressing resource scarcity in the arid region. This approach not only meets the immediate needs of residents but also exemplifies an innovative solution to regional challenges.

The project’s emphasis on local resources fosters economic development and supports sustainable forestry practices. By incorporating locally sourced materials and labor, the design contributes to both community resilience and ecological balance.

To understand the intricate details of "A Re-Constructed Outlook," including architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation further. Detailed descriptions of the architectural elements provide deeper insights into how this project uniquely addresses environmental concerns and housing needs through thoughtful design and innovative use of materials.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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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