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Foldable Roof Design with Reclaimed Sails and Pine Timber for Mobile Living Solutions

Author:
Sara Giovinazzo
Foldable Roof Design with Reclaimed Sails and Pine Timber for Mobile Living Solutions

Project in-detail

The foldable roof, crafted from reclaimed sails, enhances the mobility of a compact living space constructed with pine timber, creating a functional solution for modern micro-living on the shores of Lake Como.
5 key facts about this project
01
Foldable roof system utilizes reclaimed sail materials for flexible weather protection.
02
Compact living space of 25 m² maximizes utility through multifunctional design.
03
Constructed with locally sourced pine timber to minimize environmental impact.
04
Integrated technology promotes energy efficiency and self-sufficiency.
05
Strategically placed along the Lake Como shoreline to enhance community connection.

**Project Overview**
Located on Lake Como, Italy, the "Lucia Il Batèl" initiative addresses contemporary living needs through a compact mobile solution designed for young remote workers. This project reflects the region's cultural heritage while adhering to sustainable practices, integrating traditional aesthetics with modern functionality. The design serves as a response to demographic changes, offering a multifunctional living space that emphasizes community engagement and interaction with the natural environment.

**Symbolic Interaction with Nature**
The architectural approach embraces mobility and adaptability, drawing inspiration from local historical fishing boats and emphasizing a strong connection to the water. The platform design allows inhabitants to move freely within different locales on Lake Como, facilitating immersion in the local culture and landscape. This configuration fosters a sense of community by enhancing opportunities for encounters and social activities, thereby addressing the pressing need for connectivity in rural areas.

**Materiality and Construction**
Material selection prioritizes sustainability without compromising structural integrity. Local pine timber provides the primary framework, complemented by reclaimed sails that feature in the roof design for both aesthetic appeal and shading functionality. Tempered glass is utilized to maximize views, while a metal framework supports the overall structure, ensuring durability. The incorporation of recycled plastics in the hull further reinforces the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility, promoting an innovative approach to modern construction.

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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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