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Clerestory Windows Enabling Natural Light in Prefabricated Modular Living Spaces

Author:
Craig Carbrey
Clerestory Windows Enabling Natural Light in Prefabricated Modular Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing clerestory windows, the design maximizes natural light in a prefabricated modular living space that promotes sustainability through integrated solar and rainwater collection systems.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes clerestory windows for enhanced natural light and ventilation.
02
Incorporates both solar and rainwater collection systems for sustainability.
03
Features a versatile interior layout adaptable to various living functions.
04
Constructed using a prefabricated modular system for efficient assembly.
05
Designed with an emphasis on compact living without sacrificing functionality.

The design is located in a compact urban area, focusing on flexible living spaces through a modular approach. The base module covers 12.5 square meters, allowing for customization based on various user needs and site conditions. The overarching concept emphasizes adaptability, resilience, and sustainability, merging practical design with everyday functionality.

Plan Variants

Five plan variants are incorporated into the design to maximize space while addressing different needs. The Compact variant includes systems for solar and rainwater collection, highlighting an emphasis on sustainability. The L-Shaped variant is designed to take advantage of solar exposure and offers varied views, effectively creating usable outdoor areas. The Linear layout optimizes solar orientation and encourages natural airflow within the living space. Meanwhile, the Offset variant establishes outdoor zones while enabling natural lighting and efficient water management. Finally, the Stacked variant organizes the interior to separate public and private areas while minimizing the overall footprint.

Site Conditions

The design takes into account various site conditions, utilizing construction methods such as post and beam systems, crawl spaces, and slab-on-grade foundations. This approach ensures that the modules can fit both traditional and contemporary settings, giving them a broad range of applicability in different locations.

Interior Modules

Inside, the layout is carefully divided into functional modules tailored for specific purposes. The kitchen and storage area features essential cabinets and a top ledge for lighting and additional storage. The bedroom, which also serves as an office and storage area, combines a foldable couch with desk space, catering to living, working, and sleeping needs. The bathroom integrates a prefabricated unit linked to rainwater systems, reinforcing the commitment to sustainability and efficiency.

Design Details

A variety of modular components, including wall panels, clerestory panels, and sloped roof panels, contribute to optimized solar exposure and effective daylighting. Clerestory windows enhance light flow, while sloped roofs collect rainwater, supporting environmental control strategies. The materials used for cladding include shingles, weathering steel, metal panels, fiber cement, and vertical siding, providing both durability and aesthetic versatility in line with the design.

The overall arrangement of these architectural elements results in a detailed design that reflects modern living. It balances practicality with a focus on natural systems, ensuring that each module serves its purpose effectively. The thoughtful organization of spaces fosters a comfortable flow, reinforcing the connection between indoor life and the environment outside.

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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
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