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Flexible Living Spaces with Central Courtyard for Evolving Families

Authors:
Jacob Kackley, Mark Millhollon
Flexible Living Spaces with Central Courtyard for Evolving Families

Project in-detail

A central courtyard facilitates future growth while offering flexible living spaces designed to adapt to the changing needs of families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible layout allows for modular expansion based on occupant needs.
02
Central courtyard enhances lighting and ventilation while encouraging outdoor interaction.
03
Design categorizes spaces for different life stages of occupants.
04
Distinct separation between public and private areas supports varied living dynamics.
05
Innovative approach to small footprint living promotes sustainable lifestyle choices.

The Program House takes a unique approach to residential design, emphasizing flexibility and the needs of its occupants. Set within a modern urban context, the house offers an innovative solution to the challenges of single-family living. This design concept reimagines traditional layouts by allowing each functional space to act as its own element, creating a more dynamic and effective living environment within a limited area.

Spatial Organization

A key feature of the Program House is the distinction between public and private spaces. This thoughtful arrangement addresses the need for both social interaction and personal privacy. Common areas encourage gatherings and connections among residents, while private zones provide the necessary escape for relaxation and solitude. By clearly defining these two aspects, the design enhances the overall experience of daily living.

Central Courtyard

The central courtyard is an important part of the layout, providing a private outdoor space that connects various elements of the house. This feature not only adds to the visual appeal but also allows for future expansion. The courtyard creates opportunities for the house to grow as the occupants’ circumstances change, making it a flexible aspect of the design. It encourages movement and interaction, both within the home and outside in nature.

User-Centric Design

The Program House is designed to cater to different life stages. It recognizes three key demographic groups: ages 25-35, representing new home buyers; ages 35-55, focused on family growth; and ages 55-75+, for those requiring adapted living solutions. By addressing these different phases of life, the home adapts to the evolving needs of its residents. The thoughtful planning ensures that each stage of life can be supported within the same space.

The design of the Program House allows for growth and change. It offers a practical solution to the shifting dynamics of family life, making it a relevant and useful choice for modern living. The layout encourages both connection and independence, capturing the essence of contemporary housing needs while remaining adaptable over time. This combination promotes a lifestyle that can evolve with its inhabitants, providing a consistent home base while accommodating future changes.

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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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