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Biosporin Insulation and Burnt Wood Create Sustainable Microhome Living

Authors:
Jovana Prijovic, Milica Cocic, Nina Stevovic
Biosporin Insulation and Burnt Wood Create Sustainable Microhome Living

Project in-detail

Using Biosporin insulation and charred wood, the microhome integrates sustainable materials to create an energy-neutral living space designed for modern comfort and efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Biosporin insulation reduces carbon footprints while enhancing thermal performance.
02
The burnt wood exterior minimizes maintenance needs and deters pests effectively.
03
Natural light is maximized through a large glass southern façade.
04
Foldable furniture enables efficient use of limited living space.
05
A rain drain chain system enhances water management and promotes landscape absorption.

The microhome residence offers a practical solution for those seeking a sustainable lifestyle. Located in diverse natural settings, it focuses on energy efficiency and effective use of space. The design prioritizes adaptability and aims to create a comfortable living environment while respecting the surrounding landscape.

Materiality

The building is primarily constructed from wood, chosen for its sustainable qualities and structural strength. The outer surface is clad with burnt wood, employing a traditional Japanese technique that enhances durability without the use of harmful chemicals. This process allows the wood to resist pests and weathering, contributing to the overall sustainability of the residence.

Insulation and Space Optimization

Biosporin serves as the insulation material, providing an ecological alternative to standard foam products. Made from the cultivation of specific fungi, Biosporin transforms wood waste into a polymer, improving energy efficiency while minimizing carbon emissions. Inside, the layout makes clever use of limited space, featuring adaptable furniture like foldable sofas with built-in tables, along with a gallery area that can function as a sleeping space.

Natural Light and Water Management

The design allows for abundant natural light through a glass façade on the southern side of the home. This technique brightens the interior and creates a welcoming atmosphere, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Water management is also a critical aspect; the residence uses a rain drain chain to effectively direct rainwater, allowing it to absorb into the soil rather than collecting as runoff.

Energy Efficiency

Solar panels installed on the roof provide renewable energy, contributing to the residence's goal of self-sufficiency. This addition demonstrates a commitment to energy conservation and complements the overall focus on sustainability. The design emphasizes functionality while addressing resource management, ensuring that daily needs are met without excessive waste.

The architectural expression of the microhome showcases a careful balance of textures and forms. The contrast between the burnt wood exterior and the transparent glass wall creates a harmonious relationship between the inside and outside. These details enhance the living experience, making it both practical and visually pleasing.

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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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