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Exposed Concrete and Metal Mesh in a Compact L-Shaped Home

Authors:
Tiago Cramez, Miguel Gaspar machado
Exposed Concrete and Metal Mesh in a Compact L-Shaped Home

Project in-detail

With its L-shaped form and the effective use of exposed concrete and metal mesh, the dwelling maximizes space while providing multifunctional living areas suited for urban life.
5 key facts about this project
01
L-shaped configuration increases usable space and enhances natural light.
02
Multifunctional cabinets optimize storage and living areas without compromising comfort.
03
Two private outdoor spaces create a seamless indoor-outdoor relationship.
04
Exposed concrete provides structural integrity while ensuring a modern aesthetic.
05
Metal mesh allows for ample ventilation and light through wide openings.

The design presents a compact dwelling focused on meeting the needs of efficient and comfortable living. Located in an urban environment, the home combines reduced dimensions with a layout similar to that of a traditional house. The overall concept strives to blend luxury and practicality within a smaller space, catering to the demands of modern living.

L-Shaped Form

The design makes use of an L-shaped configuration that improves the use of space. This shape helps establish a clear connection between indoor and outdoor areas. With this layout, the home achieves a maximized usable area while also providing two private outdoor spaces. The entrance is centrally located, linking the living area to a secluded garden outside, fostering a natural flow between the interior and exterior.

Multifunctional Cabins

A key feature of the home is the inclusion of multifunctional cabinets. These elements enhance the flexibility of the living space. Each cabinet is designed to house essential amenities, allowing for smart use of the limited area. One cabinet includes kitchen functions, seating, and a dining area, while another provides sleeping arrangements and storage solutions. This configuration optimally organizes the living environment, offering comfort without excess.

Use of Materials

In the construction of the home, exposed concrete and metal mesh are employed. The exposed concrete plays a critical role in ensuring structural integrity while offering a simple aesthetic. Meanwhile, metal mesh adds a modern touch with large openings that welcome natural light and fresh air into the living areas. The combination of these materials creates a unified look and emphasizes the concept of home in an understated way.

Attention to these details illustrates a practical approach to compact living, reflecting an awareness of everyday needs. The layout, along with the thoughtful selection of features, results in a well-designed space that balances both functionality and comfort, ensuring a pleasant living experience.

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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

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