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Curved Walls and Lamellar Wood Crafted for Resilient Urban Living

Author:
Francesca Forlin
Curved Walls and Lamellar Wood Crafted for Resilient Urban Living

Project in-detail

Curved walls formed by lamellar wood create an adaptable living space that optimizes functionality while addressing the needs of urban dwellers in post-earthquake Amatrice.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curved walls enhance spatial flow and maximize usable area.
02
Lamellar wood construction provides flexibility and strength.
03
HPL panels offer durable and adaptable exterior cladding.
04
Integrated rainwater recovery systems promote sustainability.
05
Multi-functional living area supports modern urban lifestyles.

The Microhouse "SOFF" is a compact living solution located in Amatrice, Italy, a city notably affected by the 2016 earthquake. Designed to address modern housing needs, the SOFF house employs a contemporary approach that balances traditional building elements with functional design. Its unique shape, inspired by a prism, features curved walls that significantly expand the usable space across two levels. This thoughtful design caters specifically to the requirements of young couples, offering a practical yet inviting environment.

Design Concept
The core concept of the SOFF house emphasizes maximizing usability through clever design. The curved walls create an open feeling while also defining distinct areas within the home. By integrating furniture into the structure, the design promotes efficiency and comfort, allowing spaces to serve multiple purposes without overcrowding.

Materiality
The building's framework consists of lamellar wooden elements, which provide both durability and flexibility. This choice of material supports the structure while aligning with sustainable practices. Cladding the exterior with high-pressure laminate (HPL) panels enhances the building's resilience and aesthetic appeal. The versatility of HPL allows for various finishes that can be adjusted according to preferences and local climate conditions.

Interior Layout
Inside, the living area is multifunctional, combining the kitchen, dining space, and sitting area along with a technical room. Such a design approach highlights the efficiency required in smaller living spaces. The bedroom, designed to accommodate a double bed, also includes a library, closet, and bathroom. This layout supports a comfortable living experience while maintaining privacy where necessary.

Sustainability Features
The design incorporates important sustainability aspects, including the option to install solar panels on the roof and systems for collecting rainwater. These elements aim to reduce the environmental footprint of the house, encouraging self-sufficiency and responsible resource management.

The SOFF microhouse reflects a balanced approach to modern living, addressing practical needs while remaining considerate of its surroundings. The thoughtful integration of space and materials makes it suitable for contemporary lifestyles.

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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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