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Vertical Living Units Made from QuadCore Insulated Panels with Integrated Green Roofs

Author:
Luca Fontana
Vertical Living Units Made from QuadCore Insulated Panels with Integrated Green Roofs

Project in-detail

Crafted from QuadCore insulated panels and designed with a vertical living approach, these urban units utilize rooftop space and green infrastructure to provide sustainable housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted with QuadCore insulated panels for enhanced energy efficiency.
02
Designed for modular assembly, reducing construction time and waste.
03
Utilizes rooftop space to integrate community gardens and green infrastructure.
04
Incorporates advanced noise-reduction materials in flooring and ceilings.
05
Features a distinct triangular footprint to maximize usable interior space.

### Project Overview

Ecto Home is designed as a response to the anticipated housing crisis affecting urban populations by 2024, where over half of city dwellers may struggle with affordable housing. Located in Manhattan, New York, this project focuses on creating sustainable, above-grid living spaces that utilize contemporary design methodologies and technology to address pressing socio-economic issues.

### Spatial Strategy

The design features autonomous structures that deviate from conventional residential models, emphasizing operational efficiency and sustainability. By utilizing rooftop spaces, Ecto Homes contribute to urban densification while promoting community engagement. This strategic approach creates not only individual housing units but also communal areas that cultivate social interaction and resource sharing among residents.

### Material Innovation

Ecto Homes employ a variety of advanced materials and technologies aimed at optimizing environmental performance and occupant comfort. Key elements include:

- **QuadCore® LEC Insulated Panels** for enhanced insulation and soundproofing.
- **Lightweight, modular components** that simplify construction and transportation, allowing adaptability to diverse urban environments.
- **Prefabricated construction methods** that ensure quality control and expedite assembly processes.
- **Photovoltaic panels** that potentially generate 8,000 kWh/year, supporting energy independence.
- **Rainwater collection systems** designed to facilitate domestic water usage.

These choices reflect a commitment to sustainability, minimizing carbon footprint while enhancing the living conditions within the Ecto Homes.

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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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