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Adaptable Living Spaces with Sliding Walls and Natural Light

Author:
Zuzanna Balicka
Adaptable Living Spaces with Sliding Walls and Natural Light

Project in-detail

Sliding walls create flexible living spaces within a microhome that maximizes natural light and privacy, designed for modern urban lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sliding walls allow for multiple configurations within the living space.
02
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed windows on the second level.
03
A sloping roof design enhances light reflection and creates an open atmosphere.
04
The layout includes separate terraces to promote outdoor interaction without sacrificing privacy.
05
Compact design focuses on both community living and individual comfort.

The "Between Us" microhome design responds to the current needs of modern living. It addresses the challenges of limited personal and communal space that many are facing today. Located in a context shaped by recent global events, the microhome rethinks domestic environments. The concept revolves around creating adaptable spaces where residents can shape their living conditions, balancing privacy with social connection.

Flexible Living Spaces

The design emphasizes flexibility within a compact structure, allowing residents to customize their experience. Key to this adaptability are the sliding walls that are integrated into the layout. These walls support a quick transformation of spaces, enabling both shared and private arrangements depending on personal needs. This feature makes the microhome versatile for various living situations.

Spatial Organization

The layout includes an open living area that connects with the kitchen and laundry functions. This setup maximizes usable space in a small footprint. The separate bedroom offers privacy and direct access to the bathroom. This configuration promotes a balance between shared areas for socializing and secluded spaces for quiet, reflecting current preferences for both interaction and solitude.

Natural Light and Ventilation

Light plays an important role in the design. Windows are positioned on the second level to provide privacy while allowing ample daylight to enter. The sloping roof enhances light entry, allowing it to reflect off the ceiling and create a warm indoor environment. Such careful attention to light enhances the overall ambience of the home, making it feel open and welcoming.

Aesthetics and User Experience

The design reflects a clear approach that centers on the experience of residents. Every element aims to promote community while still offering independence. The interaction of light and space encourages personal connections among residents. Sliding walls and strategic windows create an inviting environment, emphasizing how this microhome serves both as a personal retreat and a space for interaction.

The arrangement and thoughtful details ensure that the microhome meets the demands of contemporary living, blending practicality with comfort.

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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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