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Thermal Insulation and Community Spaces Shaped by Natural Elements

Authors:
Jehean Sim, Suwan Jo, Nayeon Kim
Thermal Insulation and Community Spaces Shaped by Natural Elements

Project in-detail

Translucent thermal insulation and a focus on community engagement define a modular housing solution on Dongbaek Camellia Island, offering residents a sustainable living environment integrated with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent thermal insulation enhances energy efficiency while allowing natural light.
02
A modular design maximizes the use of limited land on Dongbaek Camellia Island.
03
Integration of traditional Gong Po framework brings cultural relevance to modern living.
04
Community spaces promote social interaction among residents and connect with nature.
05
Vertical patterns in the layout provide diverse spatial experiences and views.

Camellia Hill is located on Dongbaek Camellia Island in Busan, South Korea, harmonizing with its unique seaside and mountainous landscape. The modular housing design responds to the challenges of urban density while prioritizing sustainability. The concept emphasizes creating eco-friendly homes that offer a peaceful environment for residents and promote a connection with nature in a busy urban setting.

Architectural Strategy

The design uses a modular approach, emphasizing vertical development to make use of the limited land available on the island. This method allows for effective spatial organization and improves access to natural light and outdoor views, which are important for residents' well-being. The layout fosters community interaction, encouraging social connections between neighbors while still maintaining personal privacy within the home.

Cultural Integration

A key feature of Camellia Hill is its incorporation of Gong Po, a traditional Korean architectural system that provides both structural support and visual interest. This element connects the design to the local heritage and culture. The careful arrangement of spaces balances areas of fullness and emptiness, creating inviting communal gardens and inner courtyards. These spaces encourage residents to engage with their environment and one another.

Sustainability Features

The commitment to sustainability is apparent in various aspects of the design. Several energy-efficient systems are included, such as translucent thermal insulation and thermal storage units. These features work together to reduce energy consumption. The project also implements air collectors and water harvesting systems, along with photovoltaic panels to harness renewable energy. Ventilation is improved through strategically placed flaps and decentralized equipment, ensuring that fresh air circulates throughout the living spaces.

The careful arrangement of modular units not only meets the practical housing needs of residents but also creates inviting areas that encourage interaction with nature and foster a strong sense of community, culminating in a vibrant living environment shaped by the island's scenic beauty.

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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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