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Utilizing Steel Beams and Rainwater Harvesting for Modular Community Living

Authors:
Jake Young, Valerie Tan, Yirou Chong, Sky Ching
Utilizing Steel Beams and Rainwater Harvesting for Modular Community Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with steel beams and rainwater harvesting systems, this modular micro-housing community emphasizes sustainability while fostering social cohesion among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a connecting bridge, promoting communal interaction among residents.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system integrated within the slanted roof design.
03
Utilizes steel beams for structural integrity, ensuring durability in diverse conditions.
04
Features modular units that can be reconfigured based on occupant needs.
05
Aluminum cladding enhances the building's energy efficiency and longevity.

### Overview

"Home Away From Home" is an architectural initiative aimed at addressing the urgent demand for affordable housing in economically and environmentally challenged regions. The project employs a micro-village concept that prioritizes modularity, sustainability, and community engagement, effectively meeting the varied needs of its residents while fostering social interactions among them.

### Spatial Configuration

The layout consists of a series of micro-houses, each purposefully designed to accommodate essential functions such as dining, workspaces, and private living areas. A notable feature is the "connecting bridge," which links individual units while promoting communal living. This bridge serves as a social space that encourages interactions among residents, helping to enhance the overall sense of community while maintaining personal privacy within the micro-houses.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The project utilizes a selection of durable and aesthetically appealing materials. Steel beams provide structural support, while an aluminum-framed façade offers corrosion resistance and visual appeal. Interior features include hardwood flooring for added warmth and comfort, and glass windows that maximize natural light and ventilation. The slanted metal roof is designed for rainwater collection, supporting the project's sustainability goals. Additionally, solar panels enhance energy efficiency, contributing to the self-sufficiency of each unit. The overall design incorporates adequate drainage systems to preserve the ecological integrity of the micro-village, while external storage areas keep living spaces uncluttered.

The adaptive nature of each micro-house allows for modifications based on family size or individual needs, promoting flexibility that accommodates changing circumstances. This approach, combined with the deliberate integration of natural resources and community-focused design, positions the project as a forward-thinking model for future urban developments.

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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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