Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Elevated Living with Slate Stone and a Round Wooden Installation

Author:
Irena Oliiar
Elevated Living with Slate Stone and a Round Wooden Installation

Project in-detail

With a round wooden installation as a centerpiece, this microhome integrates an elevated bed and slate stone flooring to create a functional living space for a young professional couple.
5 key facts about this project
01
The microhome features a round wooden installation that serves as a central architectural element.
02
An elevated bed design maximizes space while providing integrated storage for appliances.
03
Large sliding windows enhance natural light while maintaining an unobstructed view of the surroundings.
04
A suspended fireplace allows for 360-degree visibility, creating a social focal point in the living area.
05
The bathroom design includes a hidden sliding window, facilitating outdoor access without compromising aesthetics.

The microhome is designed for a young professional couple, offering an efficient use of space while promoting comfort. Located in an environment that encourages outdoor activities, the design balances functionality with personal well-being. The organization of the home focuses on creating areas for living, working, and socializing. Each element supports daily life, while seamless flow between indoors and outdoors enhances the overall experience.

Living Area
- At the heart of the microhome is the living area, which encompasses 16.72 square meters devoted to cooking, working, and relaxing. This multifunctional space encourages interaction and flexibility, allowing for various activities to coexist. Large sliding windows stretch across the facade, bringing in natural light and connecting the interior with the outside landscape, which adds to the feeling of openness.

Architectural Features
- A round wooden installation serves as a focal point on the external terrace, promoting outdoor engagement while enhancing the design. This feature merges the indoor and outdoor spaces, making the terrace feel like an extension of home. Located centrally in the living area, a suspended fireplace provides warmth and encourages conversation. Its 360-degree view allows occupants to enjoy the flickering flames from multiple angles.

Sleeping Area
- The sleeping area is thoughtfully arranged to maximize both space and privacy. An elevated bed rests in a nook equipped with acoustic panels and curtains, providing a quiet retreat. Beneath the bed, convenient storage options include a washing machine and dryer, keeping living areas organized and free of clutter. Mirrored high doors on either side of the bed create a visual illusion of increased space, connecting the sleeping area to a dressing room and a bathroom.

Kitchen Configuration
- The kitchen island plays a central role in the overall layout, divided into three practical zones: cooking, eating, and working. This arrangement supports various activities and promotes an efficient daily routine. Two chairs and adjustable-height office desks complement the island, ensuring flexible use of the area. Throughout the home, natural slate stone flooring adds a cohesive aesthetic and durability.

Incorporating practical details, the bathroom features a sliding window that is discreetly concealed within a groove, allowing easy access to the outdoors. This design choice highlights the connection between indoor and outdoor living while offering solutions for everyday convenience.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy