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Folding Walls Enhance Passive Airflow in Modular Housing

Author:
Brooke Baker
Folding Walls Enhance Passive Airflow in Modular Housing

Project in-detail

Opening walls facilitate passive airflow and maximize views in modular units designed for flexible living environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Folding walls create versatile interior spaces that adapt to occupant needs.
02
Modular units allow for efficient transport and assembly on-site.
03
Integrated passive design principles enhance energy efficiency.
04
Openings facilitate natural ventilation and maximize daylight.
05
Stacked configurations provide expanded living options for families.

The Passive Modular Home emphasizes adaptability and user interaction in a sustainable manner. Set against varying landscapes, the design allows for integration within natural environments. The overall concept revolves around flexible living spaces achieved through modular units equipped with opening walls that enhance views and enable passive airflow. This approach not only improves the living experience but also fosters a connection with the outdoors.

Design Concept

The architecture highlights a folding wall mechanism that changes interior spaces to fit diverse activities and user needs. This design promotes versatility, allowing rooms to expand or contract based on the occupants' requirements. By blurring the distinction between indoor and outdoor areas, this residence utilizes natural light and ventilation efficiently, contributing to a sustainable lifestyle.

Spatial Configuration

Visual representations, including renderings and sectional drawings, illustrate the home's spatial organization well. Renderings show stacked modular units with opening walls, highlighting their ability to connect with the landscape. Sections displayed at a scale of 1/8 convey the relationship between living spaces across different levels. This careful planning provides functional and appealing interiors that cater to modern living.

Modularity and Functionality

Axonometric drawings further showcase the focus on modularity. They provide insights into both single-story and two-story configurations that allow for expansion. This aspect of the design not only highlights adaptability but also suggests practical solutions for various locations and climates. Each unit caters to contemporary housing needs, providing a tailored living environment while ensuring efficient construction methods.

The Passive Modular Home features a thoughtful integration of opening walls. This design detail enhances the structure’s visual appeal while reinforcing the connection between internal spaces and the outside world.

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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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