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Egg-Shaped Dwelling with Fiberglass Shell and Photovoltaic Cells

Author:
Aleksa Grgurović
Egg-Shaped Dwelling with Fiberglass Shell and Photovoltaic Cells
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The egg-shaped micro house combines a fiberglass shell with photovoltaic cells to create an energy-efficient living space, offering comfort and stability while maximizing limited ground area.
5 key facts about this project
01
Egg-shaped design enhances natural stability and energy efficiency.
02
Fiberglass shell provides superior thermal insulation and durability.
03
Separate living platform allows safe movement during seismic events.
04
Integrated photovoltaic cells generate renewable energy for household use.
05
Storage canisters for firewood and water serve as structural counterweights.

The Heart-Shaped Box micro house is designed to maximize living comfort while minimizing its footprint. It combines a spacious living area, a practical kitchen with a fireplace, and a separate bathroom, making it a functional space for everyday life. The overall shape is egg-like, which supports both energy efficiency and structural stability, making it suitable for a variety of environments.

Design Efficiency

The architectural concept focuses on the egg shape's benefits, particularly its area-to-volume ratio. This design helps reduce heat loss, which is key to maintaining a comfortable indoor climate while keeping energy costs low. In a world where energy efficiency is crucial, this approach shows how useful design can be in practical terms.

Structural Stability

The micro house incorporates a dual-system stabilization mechanism. This system separates the living platform from the outer shell, allowing for greater resilience against external forces. The egg shape contributes to this stability, providing safety during events such as earthquakes. Here, structural integrity is not only a feature but a priority in ensuring comfort and security.

Material Considerations

The outer shell is made from fiberglass, a material that offers durability and good thermal insulation. This choice enhances the house’s energy retention capabilities and aligns with a broader commitment to sustainability. Photovoltaic cells are fitted into the exterior, enabling the house to generate its own electricity, further reducing reliance on external energy sources.

Functional Integration

Underneath the living platform, storage canisters for firewood and water are thoughtfully included in the design. These canisters serve practical purposes, providing resources necessary for daily living. They also act as counterweights, adding to the overall stability of the micro house. This kind of integration supports a self-sufficient lifestyle, allowing occupants to replenish essential resources easily.

The Heart-Shaped Box micro house illustrates how thoughtful design can combine comfort and practicality. By focusing on efficient use of space and energy, it offers a reliable solution for modern living. The details of its layout and structure highlight a commitment to creating a harmonious living environment that meets the needs of its inhabitants.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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