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Vertical Structures Featuring Reclaimed Wood and Solar Energy Integration for Community Resilience

Authors:
Tanqing Cheng, Xuanzhi Zhang, Kaining Peng
Vertical Structures Featuring Reclaimed Wood and Solar Energy Integration for Community Resilience

Project in-detail

Engineered with vertical structures of reclaimed wood and integrated solar energy systems, the design serves as a multifunctional hub for energy and community resource access in informal settlements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular vertical design optimizes limited land use in informal settlements.
02
Incorporates reclaimed wood to connect with local building traditions.
03
Integrated solar panels provide renewable energy directly on-site.
04
Rainwater harvesting system ensures a sustainable water supply for residents.
05
Community spaces promote social interaction and resource sharing among users.

### Overview
The Habitable Energy Stations are situated in Cape Town, South Africa, and are designed to address energy shortages and provide essential services to marginalized communities. The intent of the project is to create a sustainable infrastructure that promotes community well-being and resilience. The design integrates energy generation, living spaces, and community resources, functioning as a multi-functional hub that encourages social interaction and enhances residents' sense of agency.

### Architectural Strategy
The project features modular vertical structures that optimize land use while maximizing vertical space. The lower sections utilize traditional materials, ensuring compatibility with local building styles, while the upper components incorporate modern materials such as steel and glass. This architectural approach not only provides structural integrity and flexibility but also facilitates energy collection through solar panels, strategically positioned to capture sunlight.

### Material Usage
A thoughtful selection of materials enhances both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the stations. Reclaimed wood is employed in the lower construction areas to maintain a familiar ambiance for residents. Steel frames contribute to the robustness of the structures, while glass panels enable natural light to reduce reliance on artificial illumination. Insulated wall panels, such as the Knauf QuadCore AWP system, ensure thermal efficiency, further minimizing energy demands. In addition, rainwater harvesting systems provide sustainable water resources, supporting the project's goal of self-sufficiency within the 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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