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Canvas of Glass and OSB: A Flexible Living Environment Embracing Artistry and Nature

Author:
Skarlet Escobar
Canvas of Glass and OSB: A Flexible Living Environment Embracing Artistry and Nature

Project in-detail

Combining OSB plywood and expansive glass, the design creates a flexible living environment that fosters artistic expression while integrating seamlessly with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Combines OSB plywood and large glass panels for maximum light and openness.
02
Features dedicated areas for artistic activities and exhibitions.
03
Integrates seamlessly with the natural landscape, enhancing outdoor connections.
04
Transitional spaces enhance flow and adaptability throughout the home.
05
Uses thermal acoustic insulation for improved energy efficiency and comfort.

The design showcases a careful balance between structure and space, situated near a lake and integrating with the natural landscape. The goal is to create a flexible living environment that emphasizes both practical use and artistic expression. Using the idea of a frame and canvas, the design establishes private areas while encouraging interaction among people.

Conceptual Framework

At its core, the design uses the relationship between a frame and a canvas as a guiding principle. This metaphor reflects how the structure can shape living experiences. The layout supports adaptability, allowing different uses and encouraging inhabitants to engage with their surroundings in multiple ways. Clear organization makes the home functional while also visually appealing.

Spatial Organization

Transitional areas are a critical aspect of the design, facilitating movement between various zones within the home. These spaces have been carefully designed to enhance connectivity, promoting an easy flow throughout. By allowing diverse uses of spaces, the design caters to the required needs of the occupants while maintaining a unified design approach.

Material Considerations

Selected materials play a vital role in the overall construction, focusing on sustainability and durability. OSB Structural Plywood, Thermal Acoustic Insulation, and CLT panels are key materials that contribute to energy efficiency and comfort. The choices made support the aim of creating a visually pleasing environment that also offers high-quality living.

Artistic Integration

Merging functionality with the arts, the design includes dedicated areas for painting and displaying artworks. This focus on creativity enriches daily life, allowing artistic expression to be a part of ordinary routines. Such attention to artistic spaces reflects a deeper understanding of the occupants’ desire for personal engagement with their environment.

The design incorporates large glass panels that frame views of the landscape, connecting indoor spaces with the natural world 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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