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Clerestory Light and Steel Folding Doors in Compact Living Spaces

Authors:
Jiho Oh, Hyunwoo Kim
Clerestory Light and Steel Folding Doors in Compact Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Steel folding doors open to airy living spaces illuminated by clerestory windows, creating a flexible environment that balances community interaction and private retreats.
5 key facts about this project
01
Light-filled interiors are enhanced by strategically placed clerestory windows.
02
The design incorporates steel folding doors for versatile space utilization.
03
Closet-Bed Modular units maximize functionality in compact living areas.
04
Community spaces are thoughtfully integrated, promoting social interaction.
05
Off-grid capabilities are supported by independent energy systems.

The Alpha + Living project showcases a contemporary approach to compact urban living in a vibrant area focused on community interaction. The design concept revolves around the idea of "Alpha," which highlights the potential of vacant spaces within each unit to serve various functions. This project emphasizes the balance between private spaces and shared areas, creating an environment that is responsive to the needs of modern residents.

Architecture Concept

The design embodies flexibility and adaptability, which are essential for maximizing small living spaces. Modular elements play a vital role, particularly the Closet-Bed Modular that efficiently combines a sleeping area with storage. This innovative solution allows residents to transform their spaces based on personal needs and daily activities, promoting a natural flow throughout the interiors.

Material Choices

The project employs a range of materials like Steel Roof Sheets, Wooden Interior Walls, and Wooden Exterior Panels. The use of steel provides durability and structural support, while wood adds warmth and character to the interior and exterior spaces. The Steel Folding Door enhances adaptability, allowing residents to create an open or closed environment as needed.

Communal Integration

An important aspect of Alpha + Living is its focus on communal areas designed to foster social interaction among residents. The layout includes various shared amenities such as a theater, café, library, office, sauna, and bar. This thoughtful arrangement encourages community bonding and collaboration beyond individual living units while maintaining the privacy of personal spaces.

Natural Light and Ambiance

Natural light is a key feature of the design. The Wooden Clerestory allows sunlight to flood the living areas, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. This incorporation of light helps connect the interiors with the outdoors and enhances the overall experience for residents. The intentional use of light and space contributes significantly to the welcoming feel of the environment.

The project reflects a careful balance of functionality and community-oriented design, featuring elements that encourage interaction among residents while providing the comforts of 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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