Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Translucent Roofs and Natural Materials Shape Modular Living Solutions

Author:
Zuzanna Denysiuk
Translucent Roofs and Natural Materials Shape Modular Living Solutions

Project in-detail

With a focus on modularity and the integration of translucent roofs, this design provides adaptable living spaces for displaced individuals, ensuring both functionality and environmental responsiveness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow residents to customize their living spaces based on personal needs.
02
Translucent roofing enhances natural light while facilitating rainwater collection.
03
The design incorporates natural materials to minimize environmental impact.
04
Walls can be assembled both vertically and horizontally, allowing flexible configurations.
05
The project promotes community integration through interconnected living units.

The design focuses on the urgent needs of individuals and families affected by the ongoing refugee crisis. Set in regions impacted by migration, the project emphasizes a modular living solution that prioritizes community, safety, and personal involvement. Known as "The Beginning," this concept allows residents to take part in creating their own homes, which provides a sense of stability during times of upheaval.

Modularity and Customization

At the heart of the design is its modularity. This allows users to adjust their living spaces according to personal needs. Given the varying cultural backgrounds of migrants, this flexibility is essential. The architecture is adaptable to different geographical areas, with wall thickness adjustable for local climate conditions, ensuring that the design remains effective regardless of location.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability plays a key role in the development. The project utilizes natural materials in a way that prevents waste, reflecting a focus on ecological responsibility. Such considerations show an understanding of how proper material use impacts both the environment and inhabitants. Design elements are efficient and effective, supporting clean water management within each unit.

Interior Layout and Functionality

The interior spaces are designed with functional modular components. These units can conceal electrical and plumbing systems within the walls, optimizing the living area while maintaining a clean aesthetic. The inclusion of a rainwater collection system adds to the sustainability efforts, promoting responsible resource use.

Structural Configuration

The structural approach allows for flexible assembly, accommodating vertical and horizontal configurations. The roof is made from waterproof and translucent materials, enabling rainwater drainage and the entry of natural light into the interior. The sloped roof enhances ventilation, maintaining comfortable living conditions throughout various weather circumstances.

There is also consideration for future growth, as the design allows units to be expanded or connected, facilitating the creation of larger living spaces. This adaptability is crucial for communities as they develop over time, providing a solid foundation that supports long-term resilience and sustainability in challenging environments.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy