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Thermochromic Zinc Panels and Inflatable Foundations Creating Resilient Micro-Homes for Diverse Environments

Author:
Robin Callister
Thermochromic Zinc Panels and Inflatable Foundations Creating Resilient Micro-Homes for Diverse Environments

Project in-detail

Utilizing thermochromic zinc panels and inflatable foundations, the design adapts to various environmental conditions while delivering efficient micro-living solutions tailored for resilience and community integration.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes thermochromic zinc panels that change color based on temperature.
02
Incorporates inflatable foundations to adapt to rising sea levels.
03
Features a hexagonal modular design for efficient space use.
04
Equipped with telecoping legs for stability on uneven terrain.
05
Promotes community living through micro-home clusters.

## Overview

The NestEndure project aims to address urgent climate change challenges by proposing a mobile micro-home capable of adapting to varied environmental conditions. This design serves a global context, where diverse environments—from arid deserts to coastal areas—present unique living challenges. The intent is to create a sustainable and resilient housing solution that integrates with community living while directly responding to the impacts of climate change.

### Spatial Configuration and Features

NestEndure's architecture emphasizes modularity and reconfigurability, allowing residents to adapt their living spaces as needed. Each unit spans approximately 25 square meters, optimized for functionality and comfort. Key architectural features include expandable canopies for improved ventilation and light management, as well as a quick assembly design that supports mobility and flexibility for users. The interior layout is meticulously designed to maximize space efficiency while providing essential amenities.

### Material Innovation and Environmental Responsiveness

A distinctive aspect of NestEndure is its advanced material selection, focused on environmental efficiency and adaptability. Key materials include Kingspan zinc wall panels for enhanced thermal control, inflatable foundations to counter rising sea levels, and thermochromic zinc facade panels that visually indicate weather changes. This strategic use of materials not only minimizes the ecological footprint but also elevates the user experience by ensuring internal comfort across varying climatic conditions.

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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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