Kingspan, the global leader in high-performance insulation and building envelope solutions, announces today that it is collaborating with Buildner and Hapi Homes, on the tenth edition of the MICROHOME competition, offering a 100,000 EUR prize fund and the unique opportunity for one winning project to be constructed.
Visionary Design Through a Pioneering Partnership
This global competition invites architects, designers, and creative thinkers to redefine the concept of microhomes and develop cutting-edge, sustainable solutions for compact housing.
The MICROHOME 10 competition marks a significant milestone in Buildner’s exploration of small-scale living. This is the third year of the special collaboration between Buildner and Kingspan and this year’s competition introduces a groundbreaking opportunity with Hapi Homes, a company revolutionising homebuilding with tech-driven, sustainable, and customisable solutions. Hapi Homes will select one winning project for construction and award a €15,000 prize to its designer.
As part of the competition, entrants will have the opportunity to incorporate a range of Kingspan’s energy efficient products within their designs, including PowerPanel – the company’s newly launched integrated roofing and photovoltaic solution. Buildner, Kingspan, and Hapi Homes share a commitment to innovation in residential architecture. This partnership aims to foster visionary design and transform one concept into a real-world solution for micro-living.
The Challenge
Participants are tasked with designing a modular, self-sufficient, and energy-efficient microhome with a maximum footprint of 25m². Designs should push boundaries in innovation, functionality, and sustainability while addressing real-world challenges such as urban density, affordability, and environmental responsibility. The competition is open to all, including professionals and students.
Key Objectives
- Innovation and Functionality: Create an efficient, liveable space that combines usability, aesthetics, and technological advancements.
- Sustainability: Integrate environmentally-responsible materials, energy-efficient systems, and strategies for minimal environmental impact.
- Affordability: Propose designs that make microhomes accessible to diverse populations.
4. Adaptability: Explore designs that can adapt to various urban, rural, or off-grid settings.
Prize Fund and Recognition
The 100,000 EUR prize structure is as follows:
● 1st Prize: 20,000 EUR
● 2nd Prize: 10,000 EUR
● 3rd Prize: 5,000 EUR
● Buildner Student Award: 5,000 EUR
- Kingspan Award: 30,000 EUR*
- 3 x Kingspan Complement Awards: 5,000 EUR each*
- Hapi Homes Award: 15,000 EUR + Construction*
- + 6 Honourable Mentions
*Participants must use at least one of the Kingspan products listed in the competition brief to be eligible.
Special Prize: Hapi Homes Award and Construction
The Hapi Homes Award is a €15,000 special prize recognising a project that best aligns with Hapi Homes’ vision of tech-driven, sustainable, and customisable homebuilding. Hapi Homes will select one winning project for construction, bringing the design to life as a real-world microhome prototype.
Competition Schedule
● Final Registration Deadline: September 25, 2025 (23:59 GMT)
● Submission Deadline: October 29, 2025 (23:59 GMT)
● Winners Announced: December 9, 2025
