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Sustainable Family Living with Indoor-Outdoor Harmony

Author:
Andrea Bergamini
Sustainable Family Living with Indoor-Outdoor Harmony
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The design integrates modern architectural principles with sustainable practices, demonstrating a commitment to ecological responsibility and community-oriented living. Crafted with charred wooden shingles and finished with a green roof, the design promotes sustainable living while fostering community interaction in a modern single-family dwelling.
5 key facts about this project
01
Distinct zones for communal and private living are created.
02
Concrete ensures structural performance and thermal mass.
03
Outdoor terraces enhance recreational and social interactions.
04
Geothermal systems reduce energy consumption and environmental impact.
05
Native vegetation softens the boundary with natural surroundings.

Set within a rural landscape, the single-family house is designed to balance private living with opportunities for social interaction. The layout supports both solitude and connection, organizing distinct zones for communal and individual use. Common areas, including open living and dining rooms, serve as central gathering points, while bedrooms and private spaces are positioned toward the perimeter to maintain personal privacy. Outdoor spaces such as terraces and gardens extend the living areas and provide settings for recreation and informal gatherings.

Material Selection and Spatial Experience

The project employs a palette of concrete, glass, wood, steel, and green roofing materials, combining durability with a contemporary aesthetic. Concrete ensures structural performance and thermal mass, while glass opens the interiors to natural light and views. Wood is used throughout the interior to provide warmth and tactile comfort. Outdoor landscaping with native vegetation softens the boundary between the house and its natural surroundings, reinforcing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Environmental Systems and Energy Use

Sustainability is integral to the project, with geothermal systems and photovoltaic panels incorporated to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. Green roofs contribute to insulation and biodiversity, while the landscape design supports passive climate strategies. These systems work in tandem to promote energy efficiency and long-term environmental performance.

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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.

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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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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025
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