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Cedar Shell With Zellige Hearth in Compact Living Solution

Authors:
Gerald Schnell, Clea Jentsch
Cedar Shell With Zellige Hearth in Compact Living Solution

Project in-detail

Built around a central fireplace, this compact dwelling utilizes cedar wood and Moroccan Zellige tiles to create an efficient living space that promotes sustainable living in just 25 m².
5 key facts about this project
01
Central fireplace serves as the focal point for all living areas.
02
Cedar wood construction enhances insulation and durability.
03
Moroccan Zellige tiles provide a unique design element in the kitchen.
04
Niches with square windows maximize natural light throughout.
05
Water management utilizes a combination of biological treatment and microfiltration.

Alcove House is a compact residential design that prioritizes efficiency and sustainability. Located in an area that promotes small living spaces, the house covers only 25 m² and organizes its essential functions around a central fireplace. Drawing inspiration from a snail shell, the layout optimizes every corner, ensuring that comfort and usability co-exist within a limited footprint.

Design Concept

Inside Alcove House, four distinct areas are set around the central hearth: the kitchen, dining room, bedroom, and bathroom. This arrangement encourages a sense of togetherness while still allowing for privacy in each space. Each area is flooded with natural light through square windows placed within thoughtfully designed niches, creating a warm and welcoming environment.

Material Selection

Cedar wood has been chosen for the walls, ceiling, and floor. This choice adds warmth and helps with insulation. The fireplace features Moroccan Zellige tiles, which add visual interest and connect the design to local craftsmanship. Together, these materials support the overall aim of sustainability while enhancing the living experience.

Construction Methodology

The structure uses a wooden framework, making it lightweight and sturdy. The roof is designed in two layers, covered with shingles and solar cells, promoting energy efficiency. The design incorporates biological sewage treatment along with physical microfiltration to manage water responsibly. These features reflect a strong commitment to environmental considerations.

Technical Features

Solar energy is harnessed through solar cells placed on the southwest and southeast sides of the roof and walls, allowing for an independent power supply. Heating comes from the fireplace as well as an underfloor heating system that optimizes heat usage. The walls are thick enough to accommodate both water heaters and batteries, providing practical energy solutions. Additionally, discreet sun blinds within the windows help prevent overheating, ensuring comfort for the occupants.

Alcove House exemplifies modern living by successfully combining practical design and environmental awareness within a compact space, offering a balanced approach to everyday life.

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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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