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Translucent Roof Panels and Quadcore Insulation Enhance Compact Micro Living Space

Translucent Roof Panels and Quadcore Insulation Enhance Compact Micro Living Space
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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