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Translucent Polycarbonate And Charred Timber Form A Compact Off-Grid Living Solution

Authors:
Brian Tew, Wang Nian Long, Julia Chen, Linghui Yu
Translucent Polycarbonate And Charred Timber Form A Compact Off-Grid Living Solution

Project in-detail

Constructed with Kingspan Polycarbonate and charred timber, the design offers a modular, eco-friendly solution for compact off-grid living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a bent A-frame design to enhance structural stability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates greywater recycling systems to promote water conservation.
03
Features rotating furnishings for adaptable interior configurations.
04
Utilizes Kingspan Polycarbonate for optimal natural light and insulation.
05
Integrates green roofs to support biodiversity and reduce heat absorption.

### Overview

The MicroPOD is a modular housing solution situated within diverse geographical contexts, focused on off-grid and sustainable living. The design prioritizes adaptability, offering customizable living environments that respond to individual needs while supporting ecological responsibility.

### Spatial Configuration

The MicroPOD features four distinct floor plans (A, B, C, D), each crafted to maximize functionality within a limited footprint. Central to the design is a vertical arrangement that efficiently utilizes space for sleeping, cooking, and social interaction. Notable spatial elements include a retractable kitchen island, minimizing visual clutter, and integrated modular furniture such as Murphy beds and adaptable furniture pieces that transform the living area according to user requirements.

### Environmental Considerations

This architectural solution incorporates several strategies to address contemporary environmental challenges. Energy efficiency is achieved through self-generated power from solar panels and a natural ventilation system that promotes thermal comfort. Additionally, a greywater recycling system conserves freshwater resources by repurposing water for irrigation. The design further enhances ecological integration through features like green roofs and vertical gardens, contributing to biodiversity while providing insulation and reducing heat absorption.

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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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