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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.
The Mutual House project is an architectural design focused on sustainable living solutions tailored for low-income individuals in Kent, United Kingdom. It presents a compact living environment, encompassing an area of 25 square meters. The project prioritizes efficient space utilization while addressing ecological concerns, integrating various sustainable systems into its overall design.

The design features essential spaces including a kitchen, living room, dining area, bathroom, wardrobe, and bedroom, all organized around a central core that contains necessary utilities. This layout fosters functionality and optimizes the spatial footprint, responding to contemporary housing challenges with innovative architectural strategies.

Sustainable Integration
One of the key differentiators of the Mutual House project is its commitment to resource efficiency through unique design approaches. The incorporation of a greywater recycling system exemplifies this focus, allowing for rainwater capture and use within the household. In addition, a phytoremediation tank utilizes plant systems to treat wastewater, thereby integrating ecological practices directly into daily living. This allows residents to minimize their water consumption and manage resources responsibly.

The exterior of the house employs wood for cladding and structural elements, promoting thermal insulation and aesthetic warmth. Meanwhile, carbon fiber is utilized in the design of an accordion room, enhancing the flexibility of the living space. This adaptation allows for seasonal modifications, demonstrating responsiveness to changing user needs without requiring extensive renovations.

Efficient Energy Management
The project also features a robust energy management system. Photovoltaic panels are strategically placed to maximize solar energy collection, facilitating reduced dependency on traditional energy sources. This approach encourages not only self-sufficiency but also the possibility of energy sharing among neighboring units, creating a cooperative energy landscape. By emphasizing communal resource management, the design fosters a sense of community while addressing modern energy demands.

In summary, the Mutual House project stands as a notable example of contemporary architecture that effectively combines sustainability, functionality, and community-oriented solutions. For further insights into the design and its innovative features, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, particularly focusing on architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas related to sustainable living.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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