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Cube-Shaped Home With Thermo-Panels and Eco-Friendly Features

Authors:
Evgenia Mihaylova, Daniel Yakimov, Atanas Petrov, Iva Zlateva
Cube-Shaped Home With Thermo-Panels and Eco-Friendly Features

Project in-detail

Constructed as a compact cube, this off-grid home utilizes thermo-panels and solar energy to achieve sustainable living while providing essential spaces for modern lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built on a platform foundation to minimize terrain disruption.
02
Utilizes solar panels for energy independence and efficiency.
03
Features smart furniture to enhance adaptability in compact spaces.
04
Incorporates rainwater collection systems for sustainable water management.
05
Constructed with a cube shape for optimal space utilization.

The Cube House, located in Bulgaria, showcases a modern approach to compact living. Designed for those seeking a sustainable lifestyle, it offers a minimal footprint while providing essential living spaces. The concept challenges the idea that larger homes are necessary for comfort and functionality.

Design Concept

The structure features a simple cube form that maximizes space efficiency. It encompasses a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and workspace within its compact size of 25 m². The house rests on a platform-like foundation that minimizes the impact on the surrounding terrain. This design allows for easy transportation, accommodating users who may require mobility in their housing arrangements.

Functionality and Adaptability

Inside, the layout emphasizes practicality through smart furniture solutions designed to enhance adaptability. Spaces can change to meet the varying needs of the inhabitants, allowing for a fluid living experience. This approach ensures comfort without sacrificing the overall utility of the compact design.

Sustainability and Technology

Energy independence is a key focus of the Cube House. Technologies such as composting toilets, solar panels, and biogas systems are seamlessly integrated, enabling self-sufficiency. The inclusion of rainwater collection systems further promotes sustainable living by utilizing natural resources.

Materiality

The Cube House employs wood, glass, and thermo-panels to create a lightweight, durable structure. These materials contribute to a modern aesthetic that aligns with the minimalist philosophy. The extensive use of glass facilitates natural light, making the interior feel open and inviting while reducing the need for artificial lighting.

The combination of a simple cube shape with multifunctional design highlights a commitment to ecological awareness and contemporary living needs. Each element of the house works together to create a practical yet comfortable environment.

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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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