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Embracing Nature Through Elevated Spaces and Private Gardens

Author:
Dohyun Kim
Embracing Nature Through Elevated Spaces and Private Gardens

Project in-detail

With its elevated spaces and integrated private gardens, this suburban residence creates a seamless connection to the outdoors while maintaining functionality for individuals or couples seeking a compact living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The house incorporates a private garden directly accessible from the sleeping area.
02
An open garden seamlessly connects to the living space, promoting outdoor engagement.
03
Variations in floor levels create distinct visual dynamics within the interior.
04
The architecture emphasizes compact living solutions without sacrificing comfort.
05
Integrating natural surroundings enhances the residents' daily experience with nature.

The Small House Embracing the Secret Gardens is set in a suburban area, designed for individuals or couples who value a strong connection with nature. The overall design concept focuses on maximizing space while ensuring the essential functions of a home. With an emphasis on blending indoor and outdoor living, the house provides a calm and welcoming environment, ideal for relaxation.

Layout and Spatial Arrangement

The layout includes two key external areas: a private garden that connects to the sleeping area and an open garden linked to the living area. This setup expands the livable space outside, encouraging a close relationship between the occupants and the natural environment. Access to these green spaces enriches everyday life and promotes outdoor activity.

Architectural Form and Dynamics

The design features variations in floor levels and roof heights, creating both visual interest and dynamic living experiences. This approach alters how people perceive the space, allowing the architecture to take on an artistic quality that feels engaging. These changes in elevation not only enhance aesthetics but also play a role in how light moves through the rooms, affecting the overall atmosphere at different times of the day.

Functional Integration

Functionality is carefully considered throughout the design process. Essential elements are organized efficiently within a minimal area, simplifying household management while maintaining comfort. This focus on utility ensures that the living environment meets the needs of its occupants without feeling cramped or overwhelming.

The integration of gardens is a crucial feature, inviting residents to interact with their surroundings. By placing greenery alongside key living areas, the design encourages a sense of calm and well-being. The connection between the interior and the gardens serves as a reminder of nature's presence, enriching the experience of daily life.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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