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Bifold Shutters and Modular Living in Compact Urban Homes

Author:
Maru Kim
Bifold Shutters and Modular Living in Compact Urban Homes

Project in-detail

With bifold shutters enhancing flexibility and a modular kitchen maximizing efficiency, this urban microhome provides adaptive living solutions tailored for a diverse range of inhabitants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible bifold shutters enable adjustable light and privacy levels.
02
Modular kitchen unit optimizes space with essential appliances integrated.
03
Murphy bed design allows multifunctional use of living area.
04
Utilizes natural light through tilt/turn windows for energy efficiency.
05
Built-in storage cubbies maintain organization in compact environments.

The Urban Microhome design offers a practical solution to the changing needs of city living. Located in an urban setting, it aims to support diverse populations such as single individuals, students, and older adults. The project focuses on adaptability, allowing homes to serve as individual units or as part of larger residential structures. This flexible design aims to address the current housing crisis faced by many urban areas.

Design Flexibility

Adaptability is a key feature of the Urban Microhome. It can be configured in multiple ways, either as a self-contained microhome or combined with a two-bedroom unit. This flexibility makes it suitable for a range of living situations, ensuring that it can accommodate various family structures and lifestyles. As cities grow and demographics change, such responsive housing designs become increasingly important.

Functional Features

The design includes essential features that maximize the use of space. In the 1-Bed Configuration, tilt/turn windows invite natural light and air into the home, which can help create a comfortable atmosphere. Bifold shutters add another layer of functionality, giving residents control over privacy and light. These elements contribute to the overall efficiency of living in a compact space.

For the 2-Bed Configuration, a modular kitchen unit plays a central role. This kitchen includes key appliances such as a fridge, a recirculating hood fan, and a combined stove top with a counter and sink. This setup promotes effective use of space while ensuring that all necessary functions are within reach. The inclusion of a Murphy bed enhances versatility, allowing the living area to adapt easily for different activities throughout the day.

Social Relevance

This housing design acknowledges larger social challenges, such as the needs of families displaced by climate change or conflict. By offering efficient and adaptable living arrangements, the Urban Microhome provides a timely answer to pressing urban housing issues. It contributes positively to discussions about how to create livable spaces in dense cities where affordable housing options are often limited.

The design also incorporates thoughtful storage solutions, like built-in cubbies, ensuring that residents can keep their homes organized and functional. This attention to detail enhances the overall living experience in a space that is designed to be both compact and practical.

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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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