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Timber Cladding and Wool Insulation in a Space-Efficient Modular Home

Authors:
Anthony John Maiolo, Juan Carlos Sanchez Herrera, Hanyu Lu
Timber Cladding and Wool Insulation in a Space-Efficient Modular Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing sustainable timber cladding and wool insulation, this modular micro home promotes energy efficiency while offering flexible living spaces in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Kingspan Quad Core LEC roof panels for improved insulation and energy efficiency.
02
Incorporates a KDEK insulated green roof to enhance sustainability and biodiversity.
03
Features a flexible internal layout allowing adaptation to various living functions.
04
Constructed with CNC prefabrication for precision and reduced onsite waste.
05
Employs helical piles as a foundation method to minimize site disruption.

### Overview
The Ma Micro Home, situated in a natural setting that complements the landscape, explores the Japanese concept of "Ma," which emphasizes the appreciation of negative space and the transience of experience. This home exemplifies a modern approach to sustainable and adaptable living, effectively addressing contemporary housing challenges through its innovative design and functionality.

### Ephemeral Living and Spatial Organization
The design philosophy centers on the idea of "ephemeral living," encouraging dynamic interaction between inhabitants and their environment. Internal spaces are organized into four distinct areas—Living, Working, Dining, and Resting—each configured to adapt to varying activities. The living area features expansive windows that promote a connection with the outdoors, while the working area offers flexibility for productivity. The intimate dining space fosters community engagement, and the resting area serves as a serene retreat for rejuvenation. The minimal use of fixed boundaries enhances flexibility in reconfiguring spaces, embodying the transient nature intrinsic to the concept of "Ma."

### Sustainable Material Selection
The material palette is carefully curated to enhance sustainability while ensuring durability and aesthetic coherence. Key components include Kingspan Quad Core LEC roof panels for insulation and light penetration, KDEK insulated green roof panels for functionality, and wool insulation for energy efficiency. Timber cladding provides a natural facade, while CNC-prefabricated elements and a welded metal structure assure structural integrity. The use of helical piles minimizes environmental disturbance during foundation installation. This deliberate choice of materials not only aligns with ecological considerations but also aims to achieve a low-impact construction approach that harmonizes with the surrounding environment.

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

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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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