Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Upcycled Shipping Containers with Thermal Insulation in a Community-Oriented Urban Setting

Authors:
Martin Iglesias, Martin Iglesias
Upcycled Shipping Containers with Thermal Insulation in a Community-Oriented Urban Setting

Project in-detail

Reclaimed shipping containers form a community-focused living complex in Tromsø, incorporating robust insulation and modular construction methods to address local housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reclaimed shipping containers serve as the primary structural elements.
02
Thermal insulation adapts to Tromsø's harsh climate conditions.
03
Modular design allows for flexibility in living arrangements.
04
Community areas encourage interaction among residents.
05
Panoramic views of the surrounding Arctic landscape are maximized.

### Project Overview

"Reclaimed Living" is situated in Tromsø, Norway, under the Tromsø Bridge and adjacent to the surrounding Arctic landscape. The initiative utilizes upcycled shipping containers to create sustainable housing, addressing the growing need for affordable living spaces. The design aims to integrate with the urban environment while promoting community connectivity and accessibility.

### Spatial Strategy and Context

The project adapts to the challenging topography and climate of Tromsø, positioning living units beneath the bridge. This strategic placement optimizes previously unused space and fosters interaction with the urban fabric. The elevated site provides expansive views of the fjords and mountains while aligning the built environment with natural landscapes, enhancing both aesthetic and functional aspects of the development.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection reflects the project's commitment to sustainability. Key components include reclaimed shipping containers, which provide both durability and flexibility in design. Polyurethane foam insulation ensures energy efficiency suitable for Tromsø's cold winters, while wooden cladding promotes local craftsmanship and ecological responsibility. The structural integrity is maintained through a metal framework that connects to the bridge, exemplifying innovative engineering techniques aimed at stability and safety.

By integrating these elements, "Reclaimed Living" not only delivers over 210 sustainable living units with modern amenities but also creates communal areas that encourage social interaction among residents. The adaptability of each 60-square-meter unit enables personalization, further enhancing the overall user experience.

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