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Elevated Sleep Spaces in a Hexagonal Timber Home with Photovoltaic Facades

Authors:
Paola Di bonito, Marianna Amendola, Davide Apicella, Gaetano Chirichella
Elevated Sleep Spaces in a Hexagonal Timber Home with Photovoltaic Facades

Project in-detail

With an elevated sleeping area and a hexagonal layout enhanced by photovoltaic facades, this micro home exemplifies efficient living while fostering a strong connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated sleeping area enhances privacy and views.
02
Hexagonal shape promotes efficient space utilization.
03
Folding walls create adaptable living areas.
04
Photovoltaic facade harnesses solar energy.
05
Wooden framework contributes to sustainability and warmth.

The design of the micro home offers a fresh perspective on compact living, inspired by the traditional shape of Norwegian lavvus. Grounded in a setting that emphasizes functionality and sustainability, it addresses modern housing needs. The hexagonal layout promotes effective organization of space while creating a connection with the surrounding environment.

Spatial Organization

At the center of the layout is a functional block that defines separate living zones. This arrangement allows for easy movement from one area to another, promoting interaction among occupants. The sleeping area is elevated, providing a degree of privacy while allowing natural light to flood in through a large skylight above. This design choice establishes a link to the outdoors and enhances the living experience.

Material Selection

The home features a wooden framework with wooden panels on both the inside and outside. This selection not only supports the structure but also brings warmth to the space. One of the walls has photovoltaic coating, enabling the home to collect solar energy, contributing to its eco-friendly approach.

Flexible Living Spaces

An interesting component of the design is the use of folding walls that add versatility to the home. These walls open up additional living areas that connect directly to the outside. Such flexibility meets the needs of a modern lifestyle where adaptable spaces are increasingly important.

Detailing and Finishes

Attention to detail in the micro home emphasizes durability and environmental consideration. The use of wooden plank cladding and pressed flat panels in larch promotes energy efficiency. Other materials like rock wool insulation help maintain a comfortable climate within the home. These thoughtful choices enhance both the quality and practicality of everyday living.

A large skylight over the sleeping area invites occupants to gaze at the stars, blending indoor comfort with the beauty of the night sky.

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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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