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Translucent Roof Panels and QuadCore Insulation Enhance Compact Micro Living Space

Author:
John Joseph Lil Poillucci
Translucent Roof Panels and QuadCore Insulation Enhance Compact Micro Living Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing translucent roof panels and QuadCore insulation, the design achieves high energy efficiency in a compact structure tailored for minimalist living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent roof panels provide natural light while maintaining thermal performance.
02
QuadCore insulation enhances energy efficiency in a compact footprint.
03
Charred wooden shingles offer increased durability and fire resistance.
04
The bent A-frame design aids in effective water drainage and snow shedding.
05
Integrated rainwater collection system promotes sustainable living practices.

## Project Overview

The micro home design project focuses on addressing urban housing challenges in Portland, Oregon, by creating sustainable and adaptable living environments. The intent is to provide efficient housing solutions that respond to the growing demand for flexibility and affordability in urban living contexts, particularly during increasing housing crises.

### Spatial Strategy

The micro home features a compact footprint of 6.00 m by 3.50 m, employing an open-plan layout that optimizes functionality while effectively utilizing space. Key areas within the design include a sleeping area that merges the bed with a seating space, facilitating relaxation and multi-use activities; a compact bathroom that incorporates essential amenities; a workspace featuring a desk that capitalizes on natural light; and a kitchenette designed for efficiency, providing only necessary cooking facilities.

### Material Selection

The choice of materials plays a crucial role in the home’s design, prioritizing sustainability and efficiency. Primary materials include wood for structural elements, contributing warmth and integrity; Day-Lite translucent roof panels, allowing ample natural light while ensuring thermal efficiency; QuadCore LEC insulated wall panels for enhanced energy performance; cork flooring, which offers an eco-friendly option that improves acoustics; integrated solar modules to support energy independence, and a slimline water tank designed to collect and store rainwater, reinforcing the project’s off-grid nature.

### Structural Design

The architecture of the micro home is defined by an A-frame structure, which not only lends a modern aesthetic but also conducts effective water drainage and snow shedding, key considerations for varying climates. An integrated gutter system directs rainwater into rainwater tanks, highlighting the emphasis on sustainability. The design also accommodates prefabrication, enabling efficient transport and expedited construction, which enhances its adaptability across different locations.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
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