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Expandable Living Spaces with Polycarbonate Facades and Timber Framework

Author:
Jiaying Chen
Expandable Living Spaces with Polycarbonate Facades and Timber Framework

Project in-detail

Incorporating an expandable design with a rail system and polycarbonate facades, this residence optimizes spatial versatility while utilizing sustainable birchwood to create an adaptable home that supports both educational and recreational activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a rail system for spatial expansion and retraction.
02
Utilizes birchwood for both structural support and aesthetic finish.
03
Features polycarbonate panels that allow natural light while maintaining privacy.
04
Designed to serve as both a home and adaptable educational space.
05
Integrates solar panels for energy efficiency and sustainability.

## Overview
Located in a contemporary urban environment, the Lens House is a two-floor residential structure designed to meet the evolving needs of its inhabitants. Inspired by the functions of a vintage camera, the residence serves as both a comfortable home for a couple and a flexible space that can function as a classroom during the day and a theater by night. The design embodies versatility and reflects a commitment to sustainability through its modular approach.

### Spatial Responsiveness
The Lens House features a modular design that allows for adaptation in its physical footprint. Utilizing rail tracks at its base, the structure can expand and contract to optimize its space based on function. This adaptability is complemented by a distinct zoning strategy that separates private living areas from public functional spaces, ensuring both comfort and privacy for the residents.

### Material Selection and Energy Considerations
The choice of materials in the Lens House supports both aesthetic and sustainable objectives. The wood frame construction and chipboard panels contribute to a lightweight structure, while birchwood finishes enhance durability and warmth. Polycarbonate facade panels allow natural light to permeate the interiors while maintaining privacy. Additionally, the incorporation of solar panels on the roof exemplifies a commitment to harnessing renewable energy, reinforcing the building’s sustainability ethos. These features harmonize form and function, reflecting a modern approach to residential architecture.

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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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