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Thermal Insulation in Small Urban Spaces with OSB Paneling

Author:
Salvatore Sciuto
Thermal Insulation in Small Urban Spaces with OSB Paneling

Project in-detail

With a focus on thermal insulation and the use of OSB paneling, a small urban structure effectively redefines adaptable living spaces while meeting community needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Using 18x40 mm OSB panels for structural and aesthetic elements.
02
Integrates insulated ventilation to enhance energy performance.
03
Designed for easy dismantling and reconfiguration of spaces.
04
Focuses on creating multifunctional areas to support community needs.
05
Optimizes natural light through strategically placed windows.

The architectural design focuses on a modular concept, situated in an urban area that promotes flexibility and adaptability. It aims to meet the diverse needs of the community through multifunctional spaces. The design reflects sustainability on multiple levels, incorporating effective energy management and ensuring occupant comfort through careful planning.

Design Concept and Proportions

The design prioritizes attention to proportions and scale, particularly evident in Elevation A, which indicates a plan height of +0.85 m. This specific height fosters accessibility, making the building engaging for users and encouraging interaction with the surrounding environment. The integration of thermal insulation underscores the commitment to energy efficiency, contributing to a comfortable internal climate.

Materiality and Structural Integrity

The project features technical specifications such as a panel thickness of 18x40 mm OSB (oriented strand board). This choice highlights the focus on lightweight construction that remains strong and stable. Insulated ventilation features are also incorporated, serving to maintain a balanced internal environment that enhances overall energy performance.

Construction Approach

A defined sequence of construction phases is presented, starting with the foundation and followed by the installation of primary and secondary structures, steel bracing, and flooring. The project also outlines the steps of adding side lining, internal covering, coating, thermal insulation, external coating, stiffeners, facades, and sheet covering. Each element plays a crucial role in ensuring the building's durability and structural coherence.

Adaptive Urban Integration

This modular approach allows for the effective transformation of underutilized urban spaces into functional areas. The design emphasizes the ability to dismantle and adapt structures, reflecting contemporary methods that prioritize sustainability and resource efficiency. It presents practical solutions to enhance urban living, allowing for varied uses while meeting community needs.

The project features careful details that promote interaction with the environment. For instance, strategically placed windows invite natural light deep into the interior, enriching the overall experience for all who enter.

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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

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