Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Timber And Hempcrete Form A Compact Solution For Sustainable Living

Author:
Florian-cătălin Tobos
Charred Timber And Hempcrete Form A Compact Solution For Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred timber and hempcrete, the design creates a compact dwelling focused on sustainability and energy efficiency, serving as a model for eco-friendly living solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes hempcrete blocks for superior thermal insulation and sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred timber siding for enhanced moisture resistance and durability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes interior space efficiency.
04
Integrates photovoltaic panels seamlessly into the roof for renewable energy generation.
05
Includes a rainwater harvesting system to promote responsible water use.

## Project Overview
Located within a community geared towards sustainable living, the EcoHome Microhome project addresses contemporary housing challenges through innovative design and the use of eco-friendly materials. The initiative focuses on affordability and a holistic approach to urban living, integrating natural elements into modern dwelling solutions.

## Sustainable Materials and Construction
The EcoHome Microhome employs a variety of sustainable materials aimed at enhancing both durability and energy efficiency:

- **Hempcrete Blocks** serve as the structural foundation, offering exceptional thermal insulation derived from hemp, lime, and water.
- **Recycled Plastic Components** are essential for interlocking structural features, enhancing strength while promoting recycling.
- **Charred Timber Siding**, chosen for its moisture resistance and natural aesthetic, contributes to the microhome's durability.
- **Photovoltaic (PV) Panels** installed on the roof facilitate renewable energy production, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.
- **Rainwater Harvesting Systems** efficiently collect and reuse water, supporting sustainable living practices.

## Functional Design and User Experience
Characterized by a compact footprint of 23 square meters, the EcoHome Microhome optimally balances functionality with livability. The gable roof structure and large windows ensure natural light permeates the interior, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. Key design features include:

- **Adaptable Spaces** that allow for flexible use, with living and kitchen areas capable of transforming between leisure and work functions, supported by customizable furniture designs.
- **Built-in Storage Solutions** strategically placed throughout the microhome promote an organized living environment, keeping spaces clutter-free.

Additionally, infrastructure within the community supports sustainable transport and social interaction, featuring extensive bike paths and community gardens that allow residents to engage in local food production. The economic model is designed to be accessible, with construction costs ranging between €20,000 and €30,000, making this housing solution feasible for a wide range of individuals.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy