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Compact Living with Integrated Storage in an Active Forest Setting

Author:
Sarah Langille
Compact Living with Integrated Storage in an Active Forest Setting

Project in-detail

Custom built-in furniture enhances the compact living experience in a tiny home that blends with its forest surroundings, promoting an active lifestyle for young couples.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built-in storage integrates seamlessly into the staircase design.
02
Compact footprint maximizes usability while maintaining comfort.
03
Dedicated spaces promote an active outdoor lifestyle.
04
Custom furniture enhances versatility in a small living area.
05
Two-level layout optimizes accessibility and privacy.

Autumnal Hills is a tiny home concept designed for young couples, located in the temperate forests of the eastern seaboard. The design combines modern technology with natural surroundings, creating a living space that encourages a strong connection to nature. The approach aims to maximize functionality while providing areas that support an active and balanced lifestyle.

Design Layout

The structure features a two-level layout that effectively utilizes space. On the first floor, residents find the kitchen, living room, and bathroom, all designed for easy access and practicality. This arrangement promotes fluid movement throughout the home, allowing for efficient daily routines while also creating a feeling of spaciousness despite the compact design.



Custom Built-in Furniture

Custom built-in furniture is a central aspect of the home’s design. Features like stairs with integrated storage and multifunctional tables enhance usability. This thoughtful design choice allows couples to adjust their living space according to their needs. Personalization becomes easy, supporting a home environment that aligns with the occupants’ lifestyles.



Connection with Nature

The design emphasizes an active lifestyle, making it easy for residents to engage with the outdoors. By promoting activities such as hiking and kayaking, the home encourages a close relationship with the surrounding landscape. Elements incorporated into the layout facilitate a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing daily living experiences.



Sustainable Design Integration

The project reflects a strong commitment to sustainability. It integrates modern technologies within an eco-friendly framework, ensuring that living efficiently does not come at the expense of the environment. The design showcases how contemporary living can be simple while fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world, resulting in a space that resonates with both comfort and environmental consciousness.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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