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Upcycled Train Cabins That Foster Community Engagement Through Compact Living

Author:
Coral Mesika
Upcycled Train Cabins That Foster Community Engagement Through Compact Living

Project in-detail

Constructed from upcycled train cabins, the micro-home promotes sustainable living and community interaction while offering a compact solution for modern housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from repurposed train cabins.
02
Integrates an eco-garden for biodiversity.
03
Compact footprint of 25m² for efficient living.
04
Designed for easy mobility and relocation.
05
Encourages social interaction while maintaining privacy.

The MH21 micro-home offers a new way of thinking about living spaces, shaped by the challenges of recent times. It functions as a compact unit that aims to meet the needs of its inhabitants while respecting the environment. The design centers around the essential requirements of daily life, promoting a lifestyle that values connection and well-being.

Concept and Human-Centric Design

The focus of the micro-home revolves around key human needs outlined by modern psychology. The layout emphasizes food, water, shelter, sleep, social interaction, and opportunities for new experiences. Each area flows into the next, providing both shared spaces for gathering and private corners for retreat. This balance is crucial, especially in a world where social dynamics continue to evolve.

Material Reuse and Sustainability

Constructed from upcycled train cabins, the micro-home reflects a commitment to sustainability. This choice of materials not only reduces waste but also gives a second life to existing structures. Repurposing these train cabins aligns with a growing awareness of environmental responsibility in building practices. It is a straightforward solution that addresses both the need for housing and the desire for more sustainable options.

Flexibility and Mobility

Inside, the layout is designed to make the most of limited space. Areas for sleeping, bathing, lounging, cooking, eating, and working are multifunctional. This flexibility is particularly important in an age where living arrangements are increasingly fluid. The design encourages mobility, allowing occupants to experience new locations while still enjoying the comforts of home.

Integration of Nature

A notable feature of this micro-home is the eco-garden, which reinforces the connection to nature. This green space enhances the overall atmosphere while promoting environmental awareness. By incorporating plants, the design not only beautifies the surroundings but also supports mental health and well-being.

Natural light fills the interior through carefully placed windows, creating a warm and inviting space that encourages interaction with the outdoor environment. Each design choice contributes to a living experience that prioritizes comfort, sustainability, and community.

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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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