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Harnessing Humidity for Sustainable Living in a Compact Microhome

Author:
Tyler Thompson
Harnessing Humidity for Sustainable Living in a Compact Microhome

Project in-detail

Utilizing humidity captured from daily activities, the design incorporates a greenhouse into a compact microhome, providing sustainable living solutions for a young professional couple.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed for off-grid living, emphasizing sustainability.
02
Incorporates a greenhouse that utilizes bathroom humidity.
03
Includes a second floor to enhance usable space and views.
04
Features large windows for natural light and privacy.
05
Utilizes a sliding barn door to save interior space.

The Sun House is a compact microhome designed for a young professional couple living off-grid. It occupies less than 267 square feet, making efficient use of space while maintaining a sense of comfort. The design focuses on maximizing functionality without sacrificing connection to the natural surroundings.

Design Elements and Spatial Organization

A key feature of the Sun House is its second floor, which enhances the living space. This vertical expansion offers better views and areas where occupants can gather. Large windows on this upper level allow natural light to flow into the home and provide views of the nearby lake to the north. The careful placement of windows creates an open feel, promoting a connection between the interior and the outside while ensuring the upstairs bedroom remains private.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is an important aspect of the design, evidenced by a greenhouse located on the east side of the microhome. This greenhouse is attached to the bathroom, allowing it to use the humidity produced during showers. By directing this moisture into the greenhouse, the design captures potential waste and turns it into a resource. The ventilation system that opens into the greenhouse not only improves air circulation but also contributes to effective water management, supporting plant growth.

Interior Layout and Functionality

The layout inside the Sun House has been carefully planned to prioritize ease of movement and usability. The inclusion of a sliding barn door for the bathroom reflects this thoughtful design, providing easy access while saving space. Such features enhance the overall efficiency of the home, creating a comfortable living environment. Each element is designed with purpose, making the best use of limited space.

Large windows on both levels allow sunlight and fresh air into the home, reinforcing the connection to nature. This simple yet effective design detail highlights the intention to create a pleasant living atmosphere within a small footprint.

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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

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