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Cantilevered Shelter with Seaviews and Compact Living Solutions

Authors:
Nikolaos Lemonidis, Apostolos Mardyris, Ariadni Logiadi, Effrosyni Gkougkouli
Cantilevered Shelter with Seaviews and Compact Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Elevated by a cantilever that captures sea views, the design incorporates a compact layout with efficient living spaces, emphasizing sustainability in a mountainous setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cantilever extends over the southern façade, enhancing outdoor usability.
02
Roof panels are designed for optimal energy efficiency in varying seasons.
03
Compact bathroom integrates sink and shower installation under the staircase.
04
Loft space incorporates under-bed storage to maximize function.
05
Orientation captures sunlight in winter while using summer breezes for cooling.

The project is located in a quiet glade high in the mountains, providing an expansive view of the sea. The design focuses on blending with the natural environment while prioritizing functionality and energy efficiency. A notable feature is the cantilever on the south side, which balances visual appeal with practicality, creating a usable outdoor space.

Cantilever and Roof Design

The cantilever extends significantly over the southern façade, providing not only shade but also an interesting visual element. The roof slopes downward and meets the orthocanonical terrace, which helps manage rainwater. This contemporary shape serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, ensuring effective drainage where needed.

Orientation and Environmental Considerations

The building aligns along a north-south axis, allowing it to capture sunlight during the winter and benefit from cooler breezes in the summer. Roof panels are part of the design, contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability. This orientation, combined with ecological features, creates a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.

Interior Organization and Functional Layout

Entering from the north elevation leads directly into a well-organized interior. To the left is a compact kitchen, while the sitting room is positioned nearby, providing access to a porch that showcases the sea views. A cleverly designed bathroom under the staircase combines a sink and shower, allowing for smart space usage. Additional storage next to the bathroom enhances the practicality of the layout.

Loft Area Utilization

In the loft area, the bedroom incorporates storage beneath the bed. This clever design minimizes clutter and maximizes space. There is also a desk that overlooks the sea, creating a pleasant working environment. Overall, this layout emphasizes usability while maintaining a connection to the breathtaking views outside.

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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

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