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Deodar and Chir Wood Forming A Compact Micro-Living Experience in Shimla

Authors:
Siddhi Hindalkar, Uday Wanjari, Rugved Penkar, Atharva Salaskar
Deodar and Chir Wood Forming A Compact Micro-Living Experience in Shimla

Project in-detail

Constructed from locally sourced deodar and chir wood, this micro-home in Shimla redefines compact living by optimizing space and functionality to create a comfortable residence for contemporary lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using deodar and chir wood, emphasizing local material sourcing.
02
Innovative zoning creates distinct semi-public and private spaces.
03
Designed to maximize circulation and flow within a compact layout.
04
Integrated into the hillside landscape, enhancing its visual connection to nature.
05
Focus on sustainable living solutions tailored for contemporary needs.

The Tiny Home project is situated in the hills of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, where it aims to meet the needs of modern living through an innovative approach to compact housing. Designed to optimize functionality within a small footprint, the concept embraces the idea of "less space + more function." This design effort combines comfort and practicality, providing a meaningful solution for those seeking efficient living arrangements in a smaller setting.

Design Concept

The vision for the Tiny Home focuses on maximizing space while ensuring easy movement throughout the interior. Each area serves a specific purpose and is organized into semi-public, semi-private, and private zones. This layout encourages both social interaction and personal retreat, allowing for a balanced living experience. By thoughtfully arranging spaces, the design enhances everyday life in a compact home.

Materials and Construction

Natural materials have been chosen for their connection to the environment. Deodar and chir wood are key components of the structure, providing strength and sustainability. The warmth of the wood creates a welcoming atmosphere, while also blending the home with its hillside surroundings. The construction details show a clear understanding of practical building techniques, resulting in a sturdy design that does not compromise on quality.

Spatial Layout

The floor plan is centered on efficiency by reducing unneeded areas. It combines living, dining, working, and kitchen spaces in a way that allows for easy movement from one area to another. This thoughtful organization helps residents navigate their home comfortably. The layout supports a high-quality living experience, even within the confines of a small environment.

The exterior elevations of the Tiny Home present a straightforward yet thoughtful design, reflecting a strong connection to the natural landscape. The roof and wall details highlight the construction methods used, creating a structure that integrates well with its surroundings. The design achieves a balance between functionality and aesthetics, resulting in a practical interpretation of micro-living that meets contemporary needs.

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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

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