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Floating Container Home With Efficient Cross-Ventilation and Sliding Balcony

Authors:
Sepideh Bazrafshan, Masoud Mirzahoseini
Floating Container Home With Efficient Cross-Ventilation and Sliding Balcony

Project in-detail

Incorporating a rotating structure and a sliding balcony for enhanced outdoor connectivity, the design emphasizes efficient cross-ventilation and adaptability, creating a mobile home that offers comfort and sustainability for its occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rotating structure enhances sunlight management and wind resistance.
02
Modular design allows for vertical expansion to accommodate future needs.
03
Sliding balcony promotes outdoor living and interaction with nature.
04
Light gauge steel construction provides durability and structural efficiency.
05
Translucent polycarbonate sheeting optimizes natural light without compromising insulation.

Microhome represents a thoughtful approach to modern living, focusing on sustainability, flexibility, and comfort. Designed for a young professional couple looking for a retreat from city life, it is a mobile and prefabricated container home. The design concept prioritizes a compact yet functional living space that can adapt to different settings, enhancing the relationship between the occupants and their environment.

Architectural Concept

The design features a modular structure that emphasizes both strength and adaptability. A key element is its ability to rotate, which allows the building to align with sunlight and wind patterns. This reduces the need for extra structural support while keeping the interior comfortable. The ‘floating’ linear layout is also designed to improve airflow, contributing to overall energy efficiency.

Interior Environment

Inside, the Microhome maximizes available space while creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Finishes that are sourced locally add aesthetic appeal and strengthen the connection to the surrounding area. The use of natural materials enhances the comfort of the living space, promoting a sense of calm and belonging.

Expansion Potential

The design anticipates future needs by allowing for vertical expansion. Homeowners can add one or two floors, accommodating changes in lifestyle without sacrificing compactness. This potential for growth makes the Microhome a versatile option for changing family dynamics.

Outdoor Integration

A standout feature of the Microhome is its sliding balcony, which extends from the side of the container. The balcony incorporates a vertical aluminum sheet that provides shade, making outdoor space more usable and protecting it from direct sunlight. This addition seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor living, expanding the usable area while promoting interaction with nature.

The structure is built with light gauge steel for strength, while polyurethane insulation ensures energy efficiency. The exterior uses corrugated painted aluminum zinc alloy coated sheets to withstand the weather, and translucent polycarbonate sheeting allows natural light to fill the interior, creating a bright and inviting 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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