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Accordion Space Created with Carbon Fiber and Wood for Efficient Living Solutions

Accordion Space Created with Carbon Fiber and Wood for Efficient Living Solutions

Project in-detail

The integration of carbon fiber in the accordion room design allows for flexible, adaptive living spaces, while the sustainable use of wood and a greywater recycling system ensure efficient resource management in this compact housing solution.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates an accordion room constructed from carbon fiber, offering seasonal adaptability.
02
A greywater recycling system efficiently utilizes rainwater for domestic use.
03
The exterior features sustainably sourced wood for thermal insulation and aesthetic appeal.
04
Compact layout optimizes a footprint of only 25 square meters while ensuring functional spaces.
05
Community energy-sharing capabilities from integrated photovoltaic panels enhance sustainability.

## Overview

Mutual House is an architectural design developed in Kent, United Kingdom, with a focus on sustainable living and community integration. This housing initiative serves the needs of a low-income couple while promoting a model for environmentally responsible construction. The design is informed by modern architectural practices and resource management techniques, emphasizing efficiency and ecological considerations in residential settings.

## Spatial Strategy and Functionality

The compact layout of Mutual House occupies 25 square meters, strategically designed to optimize space without sacrificing essential functionality. The configuration includes designated areas for the kitchen, dining/workspace, living room, bathroom, wardrobe, and bedroom. A central core houses vital services, thereby separating living areas and ensuring an efficient organization of space. This approach minimizes material use and construction costs while fostering an environment conducive to both living and working.

## Sustainable Material Use

The construction materials employed in Mutual House reflect a commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency. Key components include wooden cladding and structural elements, which not only provide thermal regulation but also create a natural aesthetic. The use of carbon fiber in the summer room structure enhances adaptability, while photovoltaic panels harness solar energy. Furthermore, recycled materials are utilized to reduce the construction's environmental impact. Notable features include an accordion-style carbon fiber room, which allows for flexible space adjustments based on seasonal needs or user requirements.

## Innovative Resource Management

Mutual House incorporates advanced systems for water and energy management. A rainwater collection system, supported by greywater recycling, aims to minimize freshwater use and manage runoff effectively. Additionally, a phytoremediation tank utilizes plant-based filtration to treat wastewater, integrating ecological practices into daily living. The energy system, featuring photovoltaic panels, allows for energy sharing among neighboring units, fostering a cooperative energy ecosystem that reduces reliance on external power sources and encourages sustainable community engagement.

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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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