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Cork Facade and Recycled Metal Create Adaptable Family Living

Authors:
Natalia Korzeniowska, Olga Mikołajczyk, Daria Kaczmarczyk, Agata Subda
Cork Facade and Recycled Metal Create Adaptable Family Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing a cork facade and recycled metal, this adaptable living space offers flexible configurations that support changing family dynamics.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes interchangeable walls for dynamic indoor-outdoor relationships.
02
Constructed with a prefabricated assembly system for efficient building.
03
Incorporates a self-sufficient living model to minimize resource dependence.
04
Features a focus on sustainability through the use of recycled materials.
05
Designed to expand horizontally and vertically as family needs change.

The Growing House is designed to adapt to the changing needs of its residents over time. It aims to provide flexible living spaces that can grow or shrink depending on the size and dynamics of the family. Located in various settings, this house focuses on user comfort and functionality, all while being mindful of environmental considerations.

Architecture Concept

Modularity is the foundation of the design. The Growing House can expand both vertically and horizontally, allowing families to adjust the living space according to their needs at different life stages. The assembly process is straightforward, enabling easy construction and modifications. This approach ensures that families can make the necessary changes as their circumstances evolve.

Materials

Material choices are pivotal in supporting the house's functional and sustainable goals. Cork is used for the façade because of its natural insulating properties and durability. Wood serves as a primary building element, selected for its lower carbon emissions compared to traditional materials like steel and concrete. Recycled metal sheets are incorporated into the roof and facade, reinforcing the emphasis on sustainability.

Spatial Configuration

Changeable walls within the house enhance the flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. This design feature allows for a connection with the surrounding environment. By maximizing natural light and ventilation, the house encourages a living experience that aligns with seasonal changes. These adaptable spaces improve livability and highlight the importance of a home that responds to its surroundings.

Functional Elements

The Growing House integrates systems that support self-sufficiency for its residents. Energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact are prioritized, reducing reliance on external resources. This careful integration of functionality ensures that living spaces remain practical while fostering a responsible relationship with nature.

The layout balances private and communal areas, catering to both individual needs and social interactions. Adaptable spaces let residents define their living conditions as their requirements change, showing an ongoing relationship between the architecture and its users. This design maintains a focus on evolving family life while prioritizing comfort and sustainability.

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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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