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Charming Micro Home in Earth and Cross-Laminated Timber Emphasizing Seasonal Adaptability

Author:
Gergo Podor
Charming Micro Home in Earth and Cross-Laminated Timber Emphasizing Seasonal Adaptability

Project in-detail

Crafted from cross-laminated timber and bentonite, this micro home expertly adapts to seasonal changes, offering residents a seamless integration with the natural landscape while providing a compact yet functional living space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced cross-laminated timber for structural efficiency and sustainability.
02
Incorporates bentonite layers for natural insulation and moisture control.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and a refined aesthetic.
04
Designed with a semi-private terrace to create an enhanced outdoor living experience.
05
Adaptable interior layout promotes multifunctionality within a compact footprint.

### Project Overview

Sauvage Minimal embodies a unique approach to micro-home living, leveraging contemporary architectural principles within a rural context. Situated in a natural landscape, the design seeks to harmonize modern comfort with the philosophy of minimalism, promoting a lifestyle that embraces both simplicity and connection to nature. The term "sauvage," translating to "wild" in French, reflects the integration of the built environment with the surrounding wilderness.

### Spatial Strategy and Flexibility

The design prioritizes fluidity and adaptability, achieved through an open layout devoid of traditional barriers such as doors and load-bearing structures. This approach fosters a spacious and versatile living area, augmented by movable furniture that accommodates various activities including dining, working, and leisure. Seasonal considerations are central to the design, with strategic placements that optimize natural sunlight and shade throughout the year. A compact kitchenette is discreetly integrated to maintain an uncluttered aesthetic while ensuring functionality. Additionally, the semi-private terrace enhances outdoor living, providing shaded relaxation areas that overlook the natural landscape.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Sauvage Minimal emphasizes sustainable construction through the careful selection of materials that minimize environmental impact. Locally sourced wood serves as a primary material, contributing to a lower carbon footprint while enhancing the project's aesthetic appeal. Earth is utilized for its insulating properties and structural stability, while bentonite is employed to ensure waterproofing and breathability. Energy-efficient glass foam insulation and Kingspan QuadCore panels further bolster thermal performance, reducing reliance on external energy sources. The design also promotes responsible water management through alignment with natural drainage systems and incorporates recyclable and biodegradable materials to facilitate eco-friendly end-of-life processing.

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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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