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Fishing Holes and Collapsible Furniture in a Transportable Microhouse

Author:
Xing hua Lin
Fishing Holes and Collapsible Furniture in a Transportable Microhouse

Project in-detail

With integrated fishing holes and a versatile design featuring collapsible furniture, the transportable microhouse offers a unique solution for both winter ice fishing and summer accommodations.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated fishing holes provide direct access to the river below.
02
Collapsible furniture maximizes the efficiency of limited space.
03
Designed for dual seasonal use, transitioning from ice fishing to summer stays.
04
Includes south-facing solar panels for energy efficiency.
05
Perforated metal ladder enhances access while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

The Ice Shack Airbnb is a transportable microhouse designed for two main purposes: facilitating ice fishing on the Saguenay River during winter and serving as an Airbnb for summer tourists. This design meets the specific needs of its environment while emphasizing utility in a compact space. The project merges functionality with the seasonal demands of its location.

Spatial Organization
The layout includes vital spaces such as a Mechanical Room, Restroom, Kitchen, Fishing Zone, and Dining Area. The arrangement supports efficient movement and accessibility, ensuring that users can experience both fishing and comfortable living without feeling cramped. Each area is thoughtfully positioned to maximize the usability of the available footprint.

Adaptive Features
A notable element is the integration of fishing holes within the flooring. This feature gives users direct access to the river below, enhancing the practical experience of ice fishing. The design also uses convertible furniture effectively. Benches can be flattened against the walls when not in use, and tables rest flat on the floor, making the most of limited space while allowing for flexibility in how areas are utilized.

Sustainable Design
The house includes south-facing solar panels to capture energy efficiently, aligning with modern standards for sustainable living. This feature is particularly important for a structure that is expected to be utilized year-round. The subfloor contains storage solutions like closets and shelves, adding to the organization and functionality, which are crucial for small living spaces.

Innovative Living Solutions
The Ice Shack Airbnb serves as a practical example of modern micro-living by fitting many functions into a small area. The perforated metal ladder provides access to upper areas while keeping the design visually appealing. Users can lower benches for dining, further highlighting the adaptable nature of the microhouse.

The fishing zone stands out as a key feature, providing a direct connection to the natural surroundings, allowing for leisure and utility in a single space. Each design detail contributes to a cohesive living experience that responds effectively to its environment.

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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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