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Compact Living With Pre-Fabricated Spaces for Young Professionals

Author:
Lyndsey Howarth
Compact Living With Pre-Fabricated Spaces for Young Professionals

Project in-detail

Designed with pre-fabricated components for easy transport and assembly, the compact living solution caters specifically to young professionals seeking affordable ownership options in urban settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Compact pre-fabricated parts designed for easy handling and assembly by two people.
02
Minimalist aesthetic that allows for personalization of interior spaces.
03
Efficient use of space to provide essential amenities in a small footprint.
04
Adaptable design that caters specifically to the needs of urban young professionals.
05
DIY assembly approach fosters homeowner involvement and connection to the living space.

Mikrohus is an architectural design that offers a solution to the need for affordable housing for young professionals. Located in urban areas, the project emphasizes practicality and efficiency, aiming to assist first-time homebuyers seeking flexible living arrangements. The design concept is influenced by flat-pack furniture, combining modular elements with a simple look to create compact yet functional spaces.

Modularity and Efficiency

The design of Mikrohus includes pre-fabricated parts that are specifically sized for easy transport, allowing them to fit within a standard moving truck. This approach simplifies the process of relocating and reduces the time needed for construction. The ease of handling means that two individuals can assemble the structure without requiring specialized skills or tools.

Functional Space Organization

Inside, the layout of Mikrohus is organized to make the best use of the available space. Each area is designed to enhance usability, ensuring that essential daily needs are met in a compact form. The arrangement allows for smooth movement between spaces, promoting a sense of openness even within a limited area. This organization highlights a commitment to meeting the demands of modern urban living.

Aesthetic Considerations

The overall aesthetic of Mikrohus reflects a clean and minimalist style. It combines modern design with practical needs, presenting a visually appealing structure that feels fresh and inviting. This simplicity invites residents to personalize their environments, encouraging a connection to their homes.

A key feature of the project is the do-it-yourself assembly approach, which encourages homeowners to take part in building their living spaces. This involvement reduces costs and strengthens the bond individuals have with their homes, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.

Large windows and open layouts in Mikrohus allow natural light to fill the interior, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. These elements not only enhance comfort but also support sustainable living, adapting to the expectations of today’s residents. The careful blend of design and functionality in Mikrohus makes it a noteworthy option for affordable housing in urban settings.

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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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