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Circadian Living Awaits Within Natural Light and Flexible Polyester Fabric

Author:
Zofia Wąsowska
Circadian Living Awaits Within Natural Light and Flexible Polyester Fabric

Project in-detail

Built with polyester fabric for optimal light diffusion and a retractable table for flexible living, this microhome offers a restorative space designed to combat insomnia and enhance well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Walls made of polyester fabric allow for efficient natural light filtering.
02
The layout includes three distinct functional zones for optimal organization.
03
A telescopic leg supports a retractable table for flexible living arrangements.
04
The building's exterior resembles a lantern, symbolizing warmth and comfort.
05
Tatami mats cover the medium-hard zone, providing a unique texture and utility.

The Microhome - Lanternhouse is a thoughtful design that responds to the growing problem of insomnia in today’s society. Located in a carefully chosen residential area, the building aims to create a living space that reduces the impact of artificial light while enhancing natural light exposure. The overall design centers on the idea of aligning daily activities with the rhythms of nature, making it easier for residents to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Spatial Organization

Inside, the Microhome - Lanternhouse features a well-organized layout divided into three main functional zones. The wet zone is constructed using the hardest stone material, ensuring durability and practicality for various daily tasks. Next, the medium-hard zone includes tatami mats that cleverly hide storage compartments, allowing for a tidy appearance and efficient use of space. Lastly, the softer zone contains a large mattress set into the floor, providing a comfortable area for rest and rejuvenation.

Retractable Features

A key element of the design is a retractable table with a telescopic leg. This feature allows the table to be raised or lowered as needed, adapting easily to different activities. Such flexibility maximizes the use of space and highlights a focus on simplicity and efficiency, enabling residents to create their own preferred living arrangements throughout the day.

Materiality and Light

Materials are carefully chosen to enhance the goals of the project. Walls made of polyester fabric allow natural light to filter through, producing a warm and inviting atmosphere. This combination of materials not only meets functional needs but also connects the interior with the outside world.

The building’s exterior resembles a burning lantern, symbolizing warmth and light. This visual representation reinforces the concept of comfort while offering a calming presence in the environment. The design invites tranquility, creating a space where residents can truly feel at home.

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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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