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Glued Laminated Arches and Recycled Timber Create Compact Sustainable Living

Authors:
Joanna Korczyńska, Katarzyna Gniazdowska
Glued Laminated Arches and Recycled Timber Create Compact Sustainable Living

Project in-detail

Glued laminated arches and recycled timber create a compact structure designed for sustainable living, maximizing functionality within a 25 square meter footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Glued laminated arches enhance structural integrity while creating a distinctive roof profile.
02
Recycled timber from decommissioned buildings is used for exterior panels, promoting sustainability.
03
An upper-arc space provides additional storage without occupying floor area.
04
Integrated wind turbines supply renewable energy for household use.
05
Rainwater harvesting system ensures efficient water management for domestic needs.

The Eco Arc House is a compact solution for sustainable living within a small area of 25 square meters. Positioned in various environments, it incorporates essential spaces like a living room, kitchenette, bathroom, and bedroom, along with a workspace. The design focuses on efficiency and adaptability, providing comfort for modern lifestyles while blending into its surroundings.

Structural Design

The design features a straightforward form topped by an arc made from glued laminated timber. This arch not only adds to the aesthetic quality but also enhances the structural integrity of the building. Above, there is additional storage space that effectively makes use of the vertical dimension, keeping the living area organized and free from clutter.

Material Application

Natural materials are a core aspect of the Eco Arc House. The primary material used throughout the interior and exterior is wood. Plywood serves as the main finish for surfaces and furniture, combining practicality with an appealing look. External panels are made of recycled timber sourced from old buildings, which supports the aim of sustainability and minimizes waste during construction.

Sustainability Features

The house includes systems that utilize renewable resources, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. Wind turbines generate energy, which is stored in batteries for residential use. Rainwater is collected for domestic purposes, filtered, and heated, ensuring a reliable water supply. Wastewater is managed in a treatment plant before being released into the soil, allowing the building to function within its environmental context effectively.

Urban Layout Adaptability

The Eco Arc House supports a modular design that can be arranged in multiple ways. By linking units with decks, it is possible to create communal spaces, such as inner courtyards. This flexibility enhances community interaction and offers various living arrangements to suit different needs, contributing to a more engaging living environment.

The arched roof shape allows ample natural light to fill the interior, creating an inviting atmosphere. It enhances the sense of space while providing a unique and pleasant environment that residents can enjoy daily.

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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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