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Foldable Facade and Indoor Garden in a Compact Home Constructed with Natural Stone and Nano-Fiber Insulation

Author:
Cedric Patrick Thomas Carle
Foldable Facade and Indoor Garden in a Compact Home Constructed with Natural Stone and Nano-Fiber Insulation

Project in-detail

With a foldable facade that seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, this compact home employs natural stone and advanced insulation materials to create a sustainable living environment in an efficient footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
The home utilizes a foldable facade to enhance indoor-outdoor connectivity.
02
Natural stone is employed for both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
03
Advanced nano-fiber insulation provides superior thermal performance.
04
An integrated indoor garden contributes to air quality and wellness.
05
Solar panels are seamlessly incorporated into the design for energy efficiency.
The Essential Micro Home is an architectural project that exemplifies efficiency and sustainability through its compact design. Spanning just 25 square meters, it is focused on providing essential living spaces without sacrificing comfort or functionality. This micro home is strategically situated in a sandy landscape, allowing for optimal integration with its environment. The project divides its space into two primary zones—Day and Night—while incorporating an internal garden that serves both aesthetic and environmental functions.

The design represents a contemporary approach to residential architecture, emphasizing minimalism and the essential needs of its occupants. The key functions of the Essential Micro Home include residential living, culinary space, and private retreat, all within an intelligently organized layout.

Flexible Space Utilization

One of the remarkable aspects of the Essential Micro Home is its spatial configuration, which prioritizes versatility. The living area is designed to foster interaction, promoting community and shared experiences. The adjacent kitchen and dining area are not just functional but aesthetically inviting, encouraging culinary engagement. The private bedroom is placed strategically for tranquility, removing it from the noise of communal activities.

The design's layout also features a garden that enhances natural light and ventilation, contributing to the overall well-being of the occupants. This indoor garden serves to blur the boundaries between the interior and exterior, creating a seamless transition that supports both relaxation and recreational needs.

Innovative Sustainable Features

Unique design approaches are foundational to the Essential Micro Home's identity. The use of local materials, such as natural stone and recycled materials, reflects a commitment to sustainability and environmental integration. High-performance insulation materials enhance energy efficiency, while the incorporation of solar panels minimizes reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

The architectural design employs a foldable façade that transforms the living space by creating an open connection to the outdoor terrace. This flexibility allows for a variety of uses and experiences, adapting to different times of day and weather conditions. Additionally, advanced water management systems promote conservation and ensure the viability of the internal garden, even in arid conditions.

Overall, the Essential Micro Home prioritizes both ecological sustainability and the comfort of its inhabitants. Its thoughtful architecture serves as a model for modern living in constrained environments. For more details on its architectural plans, sections, and overall design, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation, which delves deeper into the various architectural ideas at play.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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