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Glass Partitions and Wood-Steel Panels in Compact Urban Living

Authors:
Shamil Ammar, Waseem Jamal
Glass Partitions and Wood-Steel Panels in Compact Urban Living

Project in-detail

Equipped with innovative glass partitions and wood-steel panels, the compact living space demonstrates an efficient use of 25 square meters for urban dwelling, blending functionality with sustainable design.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design includes a movable block that seamlessly transforms from workspace to living area.
02
Utilizes glass partitions that can be repositioned to enhance flexibility in spatial arrangement.
03
Incorporates wood-steel insulated panels for improved thermal performance and structural integrity.
04
Features a dedicated services area with efficient storage solutions for essential utilities.
05
Integrates hanging plants to bolster indoor air quality and contribute to a natural aesthetic.

The Elevator House stands as a response to the needs of contemporary urban living, designed within a compact area of 25 square meters. Located in a city that emphasizes efficiency and eco-friendliness, the building combines practical living spaces with a sense of comfort. The main idea is to create a balanced environment that allows for multiple functions—living, working, and cooking—while making the most of the available space.

Modular Design

The house features two separate blocks. One block is fixed, containing the essential living areas such as the bedroom and living room. The other block is movable and serves as a workspace. This arrangement promotes flexibility, allowing the space to be adapted for different activities throughout the day. A metal frame supports the structure, and a glass partition can change positions, offering options for privacy or openness depending on user preference.

Sustainable Features

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, with notable elements like a water filtration system and a solar inverter included. These features work together to reduce energy consumption and support eco-friendly living. A separate area for services incorporates storage solutions for the kitchen, bathroom, and electrical systems. This organization ensures a tidy environment while facilitating everyday living.

Material Selection

The choice of materials significantly contributes to the project. Wood-steel insulated panels provide strength and improve energy efficiency. Wooden glass floors present a contemporary look while maintaining safety for occupants. Large indoor and outdoor glass panes serve to connect the interior to the outside, enhancing views and natural light within the home.

Design Details

Hanging plants are cleverly included to enhance air quality and add visual interest. A bi-folding table designed for reading or working introduces functionality without taking up too much space. Outdoor glass panels bring in additional light, creating a bright atmosphere that fosters a welcoming environment for daily activities and relaxation.

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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
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