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Flexible Living Solution Crafted from Spruce and Eco-Friendly Materials

Author:
Elias Gerling
Flexible Living Solution Crafted from Spruce and Eco-Friendly Materials

Project in-detail

Crafted from sustainable spruce and equipped with an innovative modular system, the MicroCabin offers a compact and adaptable living solution designed for environmentally conscious users seeking flexibility in their dwelling.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from lightweight spruce, enhancing mobility and structural efficiency.
02
Incorporates flexible wood fiber insulation for superior energy performance.
03
Features panoramic windows for natural light and connection to the environment.
04
Designed with a modular system allowing for easy spatial adaptation.
05
Includes integrated rainwater harvesting to promote resource efficiency.

### Overview

The MicroCabin TH_EM780 is designed to address the need for sustainable and flexible living solutions across diverse environments. With a compact footprint of approximately 20 square meters, this structure caters to individuals or small households in both urban and rural settings. The design focuses on modularity and mobility, facilitating ease of relocation while integrating practical living spaces that prioritize efficiency and ecological sustainability.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The interior layout maximizes spatial utility, featuring dedicated zones for living, cooking, sleeping, and hygiene. The living area includes adaptable furniture, such as foldable tables and chairs, allowing for reconfiguration based on user activities. A compact kitchen is outfitted with essential amenities, and the sleeping loft is designed to offer comfort and privacy while providing expansive views through strategically placed windows. Additional features, such as integrated storage solutions and smart design elements, enhance accessibility and user satisfaction, ensuring a versatile living experience.

### Material Choices and Energy Efficiency

Constructed using a timber frame method with sustainable materials, such as spruce wood and flexible wood fiber insulation, the MicroCabin minimizes environmental impact while maintaining structural integrity. Energy efficiency is further achieved through a high-capacity photovoltaic system, which meets a significant portion of the cabin's energy needs, and a rainwater harvesting system. The design includes weather-resistant elements, such as moisture-variable vapor barriers and titanium zinc roofing, promoting resilience and longevity in various climates. Large windows enhance natural lighting, contributing not only to energy efficiency but also to the overall living experience through visual connection with the surrounding 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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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