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Clerestories and Solar Tiles Redefine Multigenerational Living Spaces

Authors:
Nathalie Ngo, Shixian Zhang, Aaron Ung
Clerestories and Solar Tiles Redefine Multigenerational Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating clerestories and solar tiles, the design creates a flexible, multigenerational living environment that fosters community while prioritizing energy efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Solar tiles generate renewable energy while maintaining traditional aesthetics.
02
Clerestories enhance natural light and air circulation throughout the home.
03
Modular wall panels allow for gradual spatial adjustments over time.
04
Recycled wood elements contribute to sustainability goals within the design.
05
A central courtyard serves as a multifunctional gathering space for residents.

The design is located in Southern California and responds to the needs of multigenerational families living in suburban areas. It provides a fresh look at how to create homes that can adapt over time while encouraging social interaction among residents. The focus is on rethinking traditional housing forms typically aimed at nuclear families. By bringing in spaces that allow for both community and privacy, the design seeks to enhance the overall suburban living experience.

Design Concept

At the heart of the design is a commitment to flexibility. The layout allows for modular changes that can accommodate the evolving needs of families. This approach supports changes in occupancy and functionality over time. By building with adaptability in mind, the design addresses the demographic shifts affecting the suburbs, providing homes that can grow and change with their occupants.

Shared Spaces

Central to the plan is the inclusion of communal areas that promote interaction and connectivity among residents. These spaces are essential for fostering a sense of community, especially in multigenerational households. The reconfigured layout prioritizes not just shared activities but also maintains room for private moments, ensuring that each member can feel at home while also enjoying the benefits of community.

Natural Light Integration

The design makes significant use of natural light through the addition of clerestories in the roof. This adjustment creates a welcoming environment by brightening interior spaces. The enhanced light also improves air circulation, contributing to comfort throughout the home. By changing the traditional roof shape, the design creates an inviting atmosphere that connects the indoors with the outdoor environment.

Sustainability Measures

Several sustainable features are incorporated into the design. Solar roof tiles generate renewable energy without altering the appearance of standard roofing materials. Windows made of solar control glass help manage privacy and reduce heat loss. The use of recycled wood in construction not only offers structural benefits but also serves as a way to capture carbon, aligning the project with broader environmental goals.

A notable aspect is a well-defined courtyard that acts as a focal point for gathering. This space offers an attractive area for interaction, enhancing the living experience by providing both a functional and aesthetic element to 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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