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Elevated Living with Sliding Walls and Sustainable Wood Panels

Authors:
Liam Smith, Måns Eriksson, Anton Byström
Elevated Living with Sliding Walls and Sustainable Wood Panels

Project in-detail

Elevated on stilts to prevent moisture issues, the structure integrates sliding walls and wooden panels, creating a flexible and sustainable living space that embraces natural light and the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated structure on stilts reduces moisture issues.
02
Large windows enhance natural light and outdoor connection.
03
Sliding walls create versatile living spaces.
04
Greenhouse modules allow for year-round food production.
05
Off-grid systems support sustainability with solar power and rainwater collection.

Norrsken embodies traditional Scandinavian design while standing firmly in its landscape. The structure promotes sustainability and self-sufficiency, focusing on efficient living. Inspired by the geometry of a "långhus," the design maximizes space and establishes a close relationship between the indoors and outdoors.

Sustainability

Off-grid solutions are central to Norrsken. Solar panels on the roof generate electricity, while rainwater is collected and recycled for different uses. This approach reduces the environmental impact of the building and fosters a lifestyle in harmony with nature. The design also includes greenhouse modules, which can provide significant food production throughout the year, reinforcing the connection with sustainable practices.

Spatial Organization

The layout of Norrsken is carefully planned to optimize natural light. Living areas face west, allowing sunlight to pour in during the afternoon. Entrances, bathrooms, and bedrooms are positioned towards the east, creating a functional flow while ensuring privacy. This thoughtful arrangement enhances light throughout the home and invites the natural surroundings into everyday life.

Materiality and Structure

Wooden panels form the exterior walls, while the interior features pinewood. These materials maintain a unified aesthetic that aligns with Scandinavian simplicity. Elevating the building on stilts addresses moisture concerns and makes it suitable for various rocky sites. This choice creates a visible connection to the landscape, grounding the design in its environment.

Design Features

Inside, sliding walls add flexibility, enabling spaces to change according to daily needs. The heating systems—geothermal energy and a wood-burning stove—ensure comfort while also becoming integral features of the home's character. Large windows further enhance the design by blurring the lines between the inside and the outside, inviting the surrounding landscape into daily experiences.

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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
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