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Upcycled Plastic Bottle Walls and Green Roofs in Compact Living Solutions for Student Communities

Author:
Adithi Shetty
Upcycled Plastic Bottle Walls and Green Roofs in Compact Living Solutions for Student Communities

Project in-detail

Constructed with 1.1 million upcycled plastic bottles and crowned with green roofs, this compact community housing solution offers sustainable living for student couples in urban India.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using 1.1 million upcycled plastic bottles for non-load bearing walls.
02
Features green roofs that enhance insulation and reduce energy consumption.
03
Incorporates a semi-private courtyard centered around a temple tree for communal engagement.
04
Utilizes reinforced cement concrete and terracotta for structural stability and thermal performance.
05
Designed specifically for student couples, promoting compact and sustainable living.

The Burrow is an architectural project designed to accommodate the living needs of student couples in Manipal, South India. This micro-home community focuses on providing sustainable and efficient living spaces while encouraging a sense of community among residents. Each dwelling spans approximately 25 square meters and integrates modern architectural techniques with environmentally conscious design choices.

The project features a cluster of six blocks, each comprising private sleeping quarters above communal spaces on the ground level, facilitating both personal privacy and social interaction. The architectural layout emphasizes connectivity, with common areas that support a shared lifestyle.

Sustainable design is at the core of The Burrow, employing upcycled materials, particularly 1.1 million plastic bottles, for non-load bearing walls. This approach not only reduces construction waste but also promotes ecologically responsible living. The structural elements include reinforced cement concrete, terracotta, and exposed brick, contributing to both the aesthetic and thermal efficiency of the homes.

Distinctive design features of The Burrow include the integration of green roofs and a unique elliptical skylight, which enhances natural light while facilitating natural ventilation. This design reduces energy consumption, aligning with modern sustainability goals. Solar panels are strategically placed to harness renewable energy, and water conservation systems such as rainwater harvesting are implemented to promote efficient resource management.

The project stands out for its emphasis on community-centric living. The incorporation of shared outdoor spaces, including a courtyard with a temple tree, fosters interaction among residents, encouraging cooperative living and shared responsibilities. The design respects local cultural contexts while addressing current lifestyle requirements, making it relevant for contemporary urban housing demands.

To gain further insights into The Burrow, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed design concepts, explore the project presentation for a comprehensive overview of its innovative architectural ideas and sustainable solutions.

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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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