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Compact Core Residence With Sustainable Design and Arched Facade

Authors:
Man hin Ma, Ivy Chen, Nyla Mas
Compact Core Residence With Sustainable Design and Arched Facade

Project in-detail

A compact core residence integrates a sustainable design with arched facades, creating distinct spaces for living while emphasizing privacy and functionality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Core design incorporates dual functions for living and storage.
02
Arched facade creates a seamless transition between public and private spaces.
03
Sustainable features include solar panels and a water collection system.
04
Distinct kitchen core allows for efficient culinary activities within the compact layout.
05
Minimalist approach promotes retention of only meaningful personal items.

In a future characterized by rapid digital change and shifting societal expectations, the design for Albert and Jenny in 2069 addresses essential questions about identity and privacy. Set against a backdrop where personal expression often contrasts with curated public images, the architecture utilizes a concept that contrasts a showroom with a practical storage space. This thoughtful approach engages with the complexities of modern living while creating an intimate yet flexible environment.

Architectural Concept

The design serves a dual purpose; it functions as both an attractive showroom and a practical storeroom. This arrangement reflects the dual nature of our lives today. It captures how people often showcase a polished version of themselves, while their private lives may present a different reality. By exploring these themes, the design highlights the ongoing dialogue around self-presentation and personal space.

Spatial Arrangement

At the heart of the home is a compact core or reservoir that holds significant personal belongings and essential items. This aligns with a minimalist philosophy, encouraging individuals to keep only what is meaningful. The layout includes two distinct areas: a main core for living functions and a separate kitchen core. This organization allows for smooth movement throughout the space. It is designed to adapt, reflecting the possible future of microhomes.

Facade and Privacy

The house incorporates arches in its facade, creating a transitional area between public and private spaces. This design element plays a crucial role in enhancing intimacy and privacy. Inhabitants can move between social interaction and solitude with ease. Features such as doors and curtains allow Albert and Jenny to control their exposure to the outside world. This careful separation of spaces demonstrates a balance between functionality and personal comfort.

Sustainability Features

A strong emphasis is placed on sustainability and self-sufficiency within the project. The integration of solar panels and water collection systems promotes environmental responsibility and ensures that the home can operate independently. This strategy aligns with modern trends in residential design, underscoring the importance of ecological considerations in future living.

The arrangement of spaces, along with thoughtfully designed architectural elements, creates an environment that invites daily interactions and reflections on personal life. The balance of public display and private refuge is expressed through the layout, showcasing a comprehensive approach to living in the future.

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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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