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Circular Patio Incorporating Dukta Wood with Flexible Living Spaces

Authors:
Yujia Zhan, Shiyu Wang
Circular Patio Incorporating Dukta Wood with Flexible Living Spaces

Project in-detail

A circular patio structure constructed with flexible Dukta wood accommodates adaptable living spaces, enhancing communal interaction and promoting sustainable rainwater management for a residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
A circular patio serves as the focal point for communal activities.
02
The living area features a foldable bed that maximizes space efficiency.
03
Curved doors enable flexible transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.
04
Rainwater management systems are integrated into the design for sustainability.
05
Dukta wood allows for unique shaping opportunities in construction.

Engranpatio offers a unique approach to design that combines functionality with sustainability. Located in a setting that emphasizes community and interaction, the layout features a circular patio at its center, surrounded by essential living spaces such as the kitchen, toilet, and living room. The design encourages a connection between indoor and outdoor areas, enhancing the living experience for residents.

Design Layout

At the heart of the house is the circular patio, which creates a communal space that promotes natural light and airflow throughout the home. The living room and bedroom are combined into a multifunctional area, allowing the bed to fold away into a sofa during the day. This clever arrangement illustrates modern design principles that emphasize adaptability and multifunctionality.

Sustainable Features

One important aspect of Engranpatio is its commitment to sustainability. The roofs of the kitchen and bathroom are slightly sloped, directing rainwater toward a partition wall. This wall is designed to collect rainwater and channel it into a storage tank. By treating grey water, the system can be used for irrigation, showcasing thoughtful resource management.

Natural Ventilation

Natural ventilation plays a key role in keeping the interior comfortable. A sliding window at the top of the circular patio serves as a central air outlet. When opened, it allows fresh air to circulate throughout the living spaces, contributing to a pleasant indoor environment. Additionally, the inclusion of plants along pathways enriches the space and promotes a healthier atmosphere indoors.

Material Utilization

Dukta Flexible Wood (JANUS-TEX) is an important material used in the construction. This 4/4 mm, 3-layer spruce is known for its flexibility. It allows for creative design solutions, making it easy to shape according to the needs of the space. This flexibility supports the overall design goal of adaptability.

Along with functional spaces, the integration of plants creates opportunities for residents to engage with nature, enhancing both the visual appeal and air quality inside the 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

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competition now

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