ARCHITECTURE IDEAS COMPETITION

3 IGNITING ARCHITECTURAL INNOVATION Buildner Architecture Competition Organisers

14 COMPETITION SCHEDULE in partnership with
4 BUILDNER AND KINGSPAN:
15 REGISTRATION FEES Kingspan
A Progressive Partnership Pioneering have prepared this document for
15 DISCOUNTS FOR ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS
Small-Scale Architecture the purpose of arranging the
16 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS MICROHOME Kingspan Edition
5 MICROHOME KINGSPAN EDITION
17 RECOMMENDED SUBMISSION CONTENT architecture competition.
7 BUILDING PROGRAMME
18 KINGSPAN AWARD
8 ESSENTIAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS © Buildner Architecture Competition Organisers
19 PRESENTATION DELIVERABLES SET
9 THE COMPETITION SITE contact@buildner.com
20 PRELIMINARY PRESENTATION REVIEWS architecturecompetitions.com
10 PRIZE
21 JURY
12 MICROHOMES MAGAZINE
22 TELL THE WORLD YOUR STORY!
12 CERTIFICATES
VIDEO AND INTERVIEW
13 PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN
23 ELIGIBILITY
23 MEDIA PARTNERS
24 APPENDIX
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The MICROHOME Kingspan Edition is an exciting
development in the evolution of the Microhome
Architecture Competition, marking the seventh edition of
this esteemed event. This special edition is hosted by
Buildner in a key partnership with Kingspan, the global
leaders in high-performance insulation and energy-efficient
building envelope solutions. This collaboration showcases
a mutual vision and shared objectives, amplifying the
reach and impact of the competition with a substantially
increased prize fund of €150,000.

Buildner and Kingspan's partnership embodies a united

commitment to drive forward the frontier of
architectural design, particularly in the realm of small-
scale, sustainable, and affordable living solutions. The
shared ethos rests on the belief that innovative design,
quality, and sustainability are of paramount importance,
and that they can create transformative solutions
without being restricted by size.

Kingspan.com/group 4
The MICROHOME Kingspan Edition invites
participants to conceptualize an off-grid modular
dwelling that would accommodate a hypothetical
young professional couple. This scenario serves as
the benchmark family size for the competition. The
total floor area of the structure should not exceed 25
m2, thereby encouraging participants to push their
creativity and innovate within these parameters.

The competition challenges participants to radically

rethink spatial organization, to introduce distinctive
aesthetics, and to implement state-of-the-art
technologies and materials. The end objective is to
propel the micro home from a mere architectural
form to a revolutionary genre in its own right.

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There are no geographical restrictions on the
hypothetical sites for these designs, allowing for
unlimited creativity. Whether urban or rural, any
location worldwide can be the backdrop for these
micro homes. Designs that prioritize sustainability
and present solutions to economic, social, and
cultural challenges through fresh architectural
methods will receive preference.

The MICROHOME Kingspan Edition is an

opportunity to contribute to the evolution of
residential architecture. It looks forward to
uncovering visionary designs and innovative ideas
that are poised to redefine the future of micro-
living.

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Participants are asked to present designs for a home that would provide comfortable accommodation for a hypothetical young professional couple.

Recommendations for the construction process:

Cost-effective Environmentally responsible Energy-efficient

Recommendations for the finished structure:

Space Efficient Off-grid Zoning

Maximum allowed building footprint – 25 m2 Conceptual suggestions for electricity Sleeping area
Landscape elements, paths, non-essential generating systems, water collection
Living / working area
structures (terraces, outdoor canopies, etc.) and filtration systems, as well as waste
are not considered to be buildings. management strategies should be Cooking area
suggested.
WC, Shower

Small storage

The BUILDING PROGRAMME is flexible, open for modifications and improved development strategies.

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Community Integration: Affordability and Accessibility: Educational and Social Awareness Component:
Evaluate how the micro home design fosters a sense Measure the economic feasibility and Assess the potential of the micro home design to
of community, encourages social interaction, accessibility of the micro home for different serve as a model or educational tool that
or contributes to the local social fabric. This may income levels, particularly for those in promotes awareness of sustainable living,
include the incorporation of communal spaces, underserved or marginalized communities. community building, or other social values.
shared facilities, or design elements that encourage This could include cost-effective construction This could include interpretative elements,
neighborly interaction without compromising methods, materials, or financing models that public accessibility for tours, or collaboration
privacy. make the dwelling more attainable. with educational institutions for ongoing study
and awareness-raising.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact: Adaptability and Scalability:
Assess the implementation of green technologies, Evaluate how the design can be adapted or
renewable energy, waste reduction, and water replicated in various contexts or communities.
conservation methods that not only make the Consideration for modularity, local materials, and
dwelling self-sustaining but also minimize its the ability to scale the concept to create micro
impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Emphasize home communities could make the design more
a lifecycle approach that considers sourcing, versatile and broadly applicable.
construction, and long-term maintenance.

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Competition entries can be designed for any
hypothetical site, regardless of size or location, be it
urban or rural, worldwide. Designs showcasing
sustainability and addressing economic, social, and
cultural challenges via innovative architectural
approaches will be preferred.

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150,000 €
3 winning proposals, 2 special award recipients and 6 honourable mentions will be selected.
Buildner will award a total of 150,000 € in prize money to competition winners as follows:

1ST PRIZE 2ND PRIZE 3RD PRIZE

40,000 € 20,000 € 10,000 €

BUILDNER STUDENT AWARD BUILDNER SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
+ 6 honourable mentions
10,000 € 10,000 €

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Award
The Kingspan Award is a distinct honor given to To be eligible for the Kingspan Award, participants
participants who choose to integrate any of the must declare the use of Kingspan products during the
THE KINGSPAN AWARD
selected Kingspan products into their design. project submission process, through the upload
The use of these products is optional, but
participants who choose to do so have an
opportunity to contend for this additional award.
panel. A brief description outlining which products
have been used and how they have been
incorporated into the design will be required as part
40,000 €
The products selected for this competition from of the submission.
the Kingspan portfolio include LEC (lower embodied
A noteworthy aspect of this competition is that a
carbon) insulated panels which lend themselves to KINGSPAN COMPLIMENTS
single project has the potential to win both the
rapid building and ease of deconstruction at end of
primary competition prize and the Kingspan Award.
life, acoustic ceiling tiles, natural daylighting
sun-tubes, and rainwater harvesting systems.
This dual-win possibility provides participants with an
added incentive to explore and integrate Kingspan's
4x5,000 €
innovative solutions into their entries.

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Selected winners, honourable mentions and Buildner will acknowledge the outstanding performance of all
submissions that were not selected as shortlisted will winners with Certificates of Achievement.
be included in the next ARCHHIVE BOOKS annual
MICROHOMES magazine.

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 ''Seen by'' ''Seen by''
one million 800 000 more

Interview Movie Media Partners

13
Preliminary registration deadlines

Early Bird Registration

OCTOBER 31 - DECEMBER 14 Closing date for registration
APRIL 29, 2024
Advance Registration
DECEMBER 15 - FEBRUARY 26
Closing date for submission
Last Minute Registration MAY 30, 2024 (11:59 p.m. London time)
FEBRUARY 27 - APRIL 29
Announcement of the winners
It is still possible to participate in this competition after the preliminary JULY 24, 2024
deadlines, however, a higher late registration fee will be charged.

Closing date for questions & answers

MAY 6, 2024
In order to guarantee equal opportunities to all
competition participants, no new questions will be
answered after this deadline!

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 Buildner Architecture Competition Organisers would like to hear from
representatives of universities, schools, and colleges offering
architecture/design studies.
Please find registration fees listed at the
competition website microhome.info Contact us to receive special student rates for group registration
(discount applies for 3+ registrations from one university/school), as
well as further information and support to get your students involved
in architecture competitions.

Send us a request from your university email address along with basic
information about you and your university/school. Please note that
only recognized university staff can apply for the reduced student rate.

Buildner Architecture University rankings

Explore the Buildner's list of the world's 1000+ most competitive

architecture universities –
architecturecompetitions.com/architecture-university-rankings

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• Participants are required to upload four (4) A2 • No video files are accepted.
landscape-orientated presentation boards (must • All information provided in writing must be in English.
not exceed 10 MB per jpg) with sketches, • All submissions must be uploaded via the
renderings, plans, sections, elevations, diagrams, architecturecompetitions.com upload panel.
and/or other presentation tools to explain their Access information and instructions on how to upload
proposal. the presentation boards will be issued to participants
via email immediately after successful registration.
• Presentation boards must not indicate any
information related to an individual's/team's identity.
up to 4 panels
Participants who do not comply with the requirements
will be disqualified without refund.
NE
WS

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• Illustrations to depict how the microhome design • Evidence of project feasibility considering • Visualizations or artist's impressions that clearly
complements both its immediate environment environmental factors, local climate conditions, communicate how the microhome fits within its
and the wider urban or rural landscape. This could lifecycle considerations, and responsible use of context, taking into consideration its relationship
involve showcasing its integration within a materials. with both the natural environment and any
bustling cityscape or a serene countryside. existing architectural elements.
• Detailed plans, sections, and perspectives, both
• Concept designs that emphasize high-quality internal and external, to demonstrate the spatial
features in accordance with the design brief, and efficiency of the microhome, alongside its
that appropriately respond to the challenges and operational needs and accessibility
opportunities of the proposed site. Detailed plans considerations.
and sections that illustrate key aspects of the
design, along with multiple internal and external • Explanation of the proposed construction
perspectives showcasing the spatial quality of the processes, materials used, functional attributes,
microhome. These should also show the design's management and maintenance strategies. Also,
operational needs and its accessibility features. participants should outline their approach to
environmental considerations, energy efficiency,
sustainability, indoor environment quality, and
logistical challenges.

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In addition to the general submission content, 2. Product Integration Illustration: 4. Implementation Strategy:
participants striving for the Kingspan Award should
Graphical representation or sketches showing how An explanation of how the chosen Kingspan
also include comprehensive information detailing
the selected Kingspan products have been products would be installed or used in the
the utilization and integration of Kingspan products
integrated into the design. The illustrations should construction process. This could cover practical
in their designs.
highlight the positioning and purpose of each steps, potential challenges, and proposed
The following aspects should be considered: product in the microhome. solutions for product implementation.

1. Product Selection Description:

3. Benefit Analysis: 5. Product Impact Assessment:
A detailed explanation of the chosen Kingspan
A discussion on the potential benefits of using the An analysis of how the Kingspan products
products from the provided list (refer to appendix).
selected Kingspan products in the design. This can contribute to the overall project goals such as
This should explain why these specific products
include energy-efficiency, whole life carbon improving livability, boosting energy efficiency,
were chosen and how they align with the design
reduction, circularity, re-use, cost-effectiveness, enhancing the aesthetic appeal, or supporting
objectives.
occupant health benefits or any other advantages sustainability.
relevant to the design or its future inhabitants.

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• Context plan (suggested scale 1:500 or 1:1000) • Diagrams:
• Elevations (suggested scale 1:50) • Circulation Please note that the PRESENTATION DELIVERABLES

• Sections (suggested scale 1:50) • Public versus private space SET listed above is a suggestion only. Participants can
• Lighting choose to use a selection from it, or propose a
• Floor plans (suggested scale 1:50)
• Transportation completely different set that would explain their
• Enlarged sections and elevations highlighting key
design in the most efficient manner.
spaces or relationships (suggested scale 1:10) • Landscaping
• Energy systems
• Details (suggested scale 1:5):
• Cityscapes/urban relationships
• Envelope
• Perspectives:
• Key materials
• Primary interior spaces
• Site or landscape
• Primary site locations
• Axonometrics providing information on building
systems or illustrating key architectural concepts

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For more than ten years, Buildner has analyzed and Participants are welcome to submit their competition
rated thousands of architecture competition project presentation draft panel/s before submitting it/them
submissions. Trust us when we say — the quality of your as a final competition entry for a preliminary review.
presentation is vital to convince a jury team of your
design intent, and there are several graphic and Within 1–3 days, our team will analyze your
representational factors that can make it or break it. presentation panel/s and rate them on predefined
We can help you make it right! criteria points, as well as add valuable written feedback
on how you can improve your final competition
submission.

Buildner can review your presentation Find out more here –

and give you valuable feedback! architecturecompetitions.com/reviews

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The most up to date jury panel
members list and biographies are
published at: microhome.info

Brent Trenga Paolo Flores David Basulto Martina Martino

Director, Director, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, CEO,
Kingspan Insulated Panels Zaha Hadid Architects ArchDaily Mario Cucinella Architects

Ben van Berkel Silvana Ordinas Flora Lee Carlo Ratti

Founder and Principle, Founder and Partner, Associate Partner, Director,
UNStudio Peter Pichler Architecture MAD Architects MIT Senseable City Lab

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Video and interview

Shortly prior to the results announcement, selected Please note – both the interview and video submission
competition winners and honorable mentions will is OPTIONAL. However, we do recommend that all
be contacted and asked to answer a series of participants submit as much material as possible in
interview questions (in writing) and submit a video order to maximize the publicity and media attention
about themselves. These will be published with the their work will receive.
competition results.

There is a tight deadline to announce the winners

on time, therefore interview questions will need to
be returned within 2 days, and videos submitted
within 2 weeks of being requested.
Hence, we advise participants to consider ideas for
their video and answers to their questions in
Read more about:
advance so that they are able to submit the relevant
The interview – architecturecompetitions.com/interview
material on time.
The video submission – architecturecompetitions.com/submit-movie
Explore the movies received from Buildner Architecture Competition winners
and honorable mentions here - youtube.com/@buildner
The competition is open to all. No professional A full list of media partners who have committed to
qualifications are required. Design proposals can present the competition winners in their publications
be developed individually or by teams (4 team can be found at microhome.info
members maximum).
For potential media partners who are also interested
People who have direct personal or professional in covering the present competition and its winners,
relationships with jury panel members or please contact us at contact@buildner.com
organisers may not participate in this competition.
Competition press kit (in English) and banners are
available at microhome.info

Full Competition Terms & Conditions contact@buildner.com

architecturecompetitions.com/kingspanmicrohome/terms © Buildner Architecture Competition Organisers architecturecompetitions.com
Kingspan has thoughtfully curated a selection of In integrating these Kingspan products into their
their products for use in design submissions. designs, participants should remember that there is
Participants targeting the Kingspan Award, in no set minimum or maximum limit to the number of
addition to the primary award, are invited to products they can include. Rather, the emphasis
thoughtfully integrate these selected products into should be on strategic and meaningful integration
their design concepts. that enhances the design's objectives.

This special selection highlights Kingspan’s In their submissions, participants should explain
innovation programme in terms of reducing their product choices and how these products fit
embodied carbon in its existing product portfolio, into the design, discuss potential benefits, describe
broadening the solutions available to architects to the process of product implementation, and
include new bio-based and technically advanced evaluate the overall contribution of these products
insulation materials, expanding its portfolio of to the design objectives. The aim is not only to
natural daylighting and ventilation solutions, and showcase the product usage, but also to articulate
meeting the growing need for integrated the rationale and expected benefits from
renewable energy and water management incorporating these products into the design. KINGSPAN PRODUCTS:
solutions for buildings. https://www.kingspangroup.com/en/microhome-architecture-competition/

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https://www.kingspan.com/ie/en/products/insulated-panels/wall-panels/quadcore-awp-lec-wall-panel/ https://www.kingspan.com/ie/en/products/insulated-panels/roof-panels/quadcore-ks1000rw-lec-roof-panel/

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https://www.kingspan.com/ie/en/products/architectural-facades/rainscreen-facades/dri-design-cassette-system/ https://solatube.com/residential/skylights/product-selection-guide/290-isn-low-profile/

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https://www.troldtekt.com/products/product-range/design-solutions/troldtekt-v-line-1way/ https://kingspanwatertanks.com.au/product/2000-litre-slimline-tank/

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