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Biological Filter and Wood Heater in Compact Micro-Housing Design

Author:
Walter Hughes
Biological Filter and Wood Heater in Compact Micro-Housing Design

Project in-detail

With a design centered on a biological filter and a wood heater, this compact micro-housing unit integrates sustainable living practices while offering versatile spaces for daily activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Biological filter integrated into the septic system for minimal environmental impact.
02
Wood heater designed for energy-efficient heating in compact living.
03
Vertical panels enhance spatial interaction with the surrounding environment.
04
Closed facade promotes privacy while optimizing thermal performance.
05
Solar panels support renewable energy needs for sustainable living.

The vertical micro-housing concept offers a thoughtful approach to modern living, focusing on sustainability and efficiency. Located in a natural environment, the design seeks to create a comfortable and practical home while reducing environmental harm. The overall idea is to present a compact and flexible living space that aligns with the growing need for a simpler lifestyle in relation to nature.

Design Structure

The unit is organized into five distinct levels, each serving a specific purpose. The first level contains essential features such as a wood heater, kitchen, bathroom, and storage areas. This foundational space is designed for easy accessibility, ensuring that residents have immediate support for daily activities. The inclusion of a septic tank with a biological filter aims to minimize the environmental footprint, highlighting a commitment to sustainable living practices.

Living Spaces

Moving to the second level, residents find dedicated living areas that include a sleeping zone and additional storage. This section is designed with a closed facade, which reinforces privacy while enhancing energy efficiency. The closed facade also plays a role in maintaining a comfortable indoor climate, providing a protective barrier against the elements.

Functional Areas

The upper levels are designed to accommodate work and leisure activities, allowing for a balance between various aspects of life. A mezzanine and workspace encourage productivity while maintaining a compact footprint. This layout reflects the demands of modern life, showcasing how functionality can be integrated into smaller living spaces.

Sustainable Elements

The fifth level features solar panels and a water reservoir, which emphasize the importance of renewable energy and water conservation. This focus on sustainability is evident throughout the design, maximizing both resources and efficiency. Large glazed surfaces in key areas allow natural light to flood the interior and provide views of the outdoors, bringing nature into the living space in a meaningful way.

The unfolding vertical panels, a unique aspect of the design, extend the living area, creating an interaction between the interior and the surrounding environment. This detail invites the outside in, enhancing the overall experience of living in this micro-housing unit.

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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
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