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Vertical Windmill and Re-Purposed Containers for Community Wellness

Author:
Matthew Di paola
Vertical Windmill and Re-Purposed Containers for Community Wellness

Project in-detail

The integration of a vertical windmill and repurposed shipping containers creates a sustainable community space that fosters wellness and outdoor engagement through dedicated yoga and dining areas.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical windmill integrated for renewable energy generation.
02
Repurposed shipping containers provide flexible spatial configurations.
03
Dedicated indoor and outdoor yoga areas enhance wellness focus.
04
Rooftop space utilized for dining and outdoor activities.
05
Sustainable bamboo incorporated throughout the interior design.

The design emphasizes a connection with the natural surroundings, creating a space that invites interaction with its environment. It serves multiple functions, including areas for wellness and community activities. The arrangement promotes both indoor and outdoor experiences, fostering a sense of unity with the landscape.

Connection to Surroundings

The project establishes a notable relationship with the landscape, enhancing user experience through the use of natural light and views of nature. Windows are thoughtfully positioned to let in light and provide sightlines to the outdoors. This approach creates a calm and welcoming atmosphere inside, making users feel connected to the exterior environment.

Sustainable Energy Features

A vertical windmill 'head' features prominently in the design. It is not only a visual element but also a functional one that contributes to energy production. This inclusion highlights a commitment to sustainability and reflects a growing trend in architecture to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.

Material Utilization

The structure is primarily made of re-purposed shipping containers. These standard units measure 40 feet in length, 8 feet in width, and 8 feet 6 inches in height, providing a robust framework that can be adapted for various uses. The project also incorporates sustainable bamboo, further emphasizing a focus on environmentally friendly materials throughout the design.

Functional Spaces

Inside, there is a small kitchen and multi-purpose room designed for flexibility. Areas for indoor yoga encourage a focus on health and relaxation. The rooftop serves as an outdoor extension, allowing for yoga and dining while offering expansive views and a connection to the sky.

In addition to these features, the design reflects elements inspired by tree surrounds, enhancing the site's ecological character. This incorporation creates spaces that encourage quiet reflection and a deeper connection to nature.

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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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