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Translucent Polycarbonate Canopy Enhances Compact Living Spaces in Sustainable Micro-Unit Design

Author:
Jad Fayez Osseiran
Translucent Polycarbonate Canopy Enhances Compact Living Spaces in Sustainable Micro-Unit Design

Project in-detail

The use of a translucent polycarbonate canopy alongside durable aluminum and fiberglass elements creates a sustainable micro-unit that maximizes both functionality and community engagement in urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a translucent polycarbonate canopy for enhanced natural light and thermal insulation.
02
Incorporates a hydroponic garden system for on-site food cultivation.
03
Constructed with lightweight aluminum panels for improved mobility and assembly efficiency.
04
Features a flexible modular design allowing for various configurations to suit community needs.
05
Integrates effective rainwater management through fiberglass reinforced plastic gutters.

## Architectural Analysis Report: Micro Link Design Project

### Overview
The Micro Link project is situated in a context that prioritizes sustainability and community integration. Designed to occupy a compact footprint of 25 square meters, the micro-unit aims to provide practical and resource-efficient living solutions that cater to contemporary housing needs, particularly in arid regions.

### Spatial Organization and Functionality
The interior layout embraces an open concept to maximize spatial utility while ensuring comfort for residents. Key components of the design include a compact shower enclosure and a strategically positioned powder room, enhancing accessibility. The living area serves as a social hub, encouraging interactions among residents, while an integrated kitchen with optimized appliances and custom cabinetry supports everyday activities. A hydroponic garden offers an innovative solution for self-sustainability, allowing occupants to cultivate their own food within the living space.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations
Material choices reflect the design's commitment to sustainability and efficiency. The exterior features aluminum metal panels for durability and lightweight protection, coupled with translucent polycarbonate sheets in the canopy that enhance natural lighting and thermal insulation. Rainwater management is addressed through fiberglass reinforced plastic gutters, while energy-efficient acrylic glazed windows support thermal control. Insulated roof panels contribute to overall thermal comfort, and a honed concrete footing ensures structural integrity. These materials collectively underscore a thoughtful approach to ecological mindfulness in design.

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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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