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Copper-Clad Living Space Emphasizing Radiant Heating and Natural Light Integration

Author:
Hannes Lung
Copper-Clad Living Space Emphasizing Radiant Heating and Natural Light Integration

Project in-detail

Constructed with a copper facade and incorporating radiant heating for energy efficiency, this micro home seamlessly integrates function and modern design for urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a durable copper facade that evolves aesthetically over time.
02
Equipped with radiant heating and cooling panels for energy-efficient climate control.
03
Features a 4.5-meter-high window that enhances natural light and outdoor connectivity.
04
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural support and sustainability.
05
Includes modular furniture that adapts to various living scenarios.

### Overview
The Copper House, located in a dense urban environment, is designed to address the housing needs of young professional couples seeking affordability without compromising on essential living standards. With a compact footprint of approximately 25 square meters, the project optimizes functionality and encourages a dual lifestyle that balances social interaction with privacy. The architectural approach integrates environmental considerations, making it suitable for urban settings where space is limited.

### Spatial Configuration and Functionality
The spatial organization of the Copper House has been carefully crafted to maximize efficiency and usability. The floor plan delineates distinct functional areas, including a bedroom, living area, and kitchen, while facilitating adaptable uses.

- **Bedroom:** Measuring 2660 mm by 4000 mm, the bedroom is sited for privacy and features a large 4.5-meter window that enhances natural light penetration and contributes to the overall ambiance. The addition of sliding doors allows this space to be closed off, creating a tranquil environment.
- **Living Area:** Serving as a multifunctional zone, the living space incorporates a modular table that can be adjusted for various activities, from entertaining to remote work.

The kitchen, designed for efficiency, connects directly to an outdoor deck via sliding glass doors, fostering fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor living.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The choice of materials in the Copper House reflects a commitment to sustainability and performance. The construction employs a wooden frame made from sustainably sourced lumber, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

- **Insulation and Cladding:** KingSpan QuadCore panels comprise the outer walls, providing high thermal efficiency while remaining user-friendly. The façade is wrapped in copper, a durable material known for its attractive aging process, which enhances the building's character over time.
- **Climate Control Systems:** Radiant heating and cooling panels maintain comfortable indoor temperatures with lower energy consumption. Additionally, strategically placed solar panels generate electricity and support water heating, contributing to energy self-sufficiency.

The Copper House also implements water conservation techniques by capturing rainwater for reuse, thereby reinforcing its sustainable approach in an urban context.

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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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