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Translucent Aluminum Panels and Bamboo Beams Forming Modular Living Spaces for Sustainable Communities

Authors:
Juan Antonio Serrano Garcia, Paloma Baquero Masats
Translucent Aluminum Panels and Bamboo Beams Forming Modular Living Spaces for Sustainable Communities

Project in-detail

Composed of flexible bamboo beams and translucent aluminum panels, the design achieves modularity for sustainable living, adapting to diverse community needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes translucent aluminum panels for enhanced natural lighting while maintaining privacy.
02
Constructed with flexible bamboo beams, supporting dynamic spatial configurations.
03
Incorporates rainwater harvesting systems to promote sustainable water usage.
04
Designed for modularity, allowing reconfiguration for various functional needs.
05
Employs eco-friendly insulation materials to improve energy efficiency significantly.

### Overview
Located in various contexts including rural agricultural areas and densely populated urban environments, the project addresses contemporary urban challenges by offering adaptable and sustainable housing solutions. The design seeks to redefine spatial relationships and promote a harmonious integration of architecture with nature, community needs, and environmental sustainability.

### Spatial Strategy
The design incorporates flexible configurations that enable the structure to transform according to the needs of its inhabitants. It features adaptable areas ranging from 12 m² to 25 m², allowing for rearrangement into different forms. Each space is equipped with multifunctional furniture that supports various activities, including work, leisure, and communal functions, facilitating efficient use of the interior layout. Moreover, the ability to mechanize deployment facilitates quick assembly and disassembly, aiding in rapid relocation wherever necessary.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The project emphasizes sustainable practices through a judicious selection of materials aimed at minimizing environmental impact. Key elements include translucent aluminum panels that enhance natural lighting while preserving privacy, as well as bamboo wood panels and structural beams that utilize renewable resources. The design also integrates recycled materials to further reduce its ecological footprint. In addition, the incorporation of rainwater harvesting systems and greywater recycling contributes to effective water management, while solar panels and thermal insulation are utilized to promote energy efficiency. Each aspect of the materiality and structural design aligns with the overarching goal of fostering ecological stewardship and enhancing community engagement.

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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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