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Harnessing Wind Energy Through a Timber Frame Micro Home

Authors:
Danica Petrović, Relja Petrović
Harnessing Wind Energy Through a Timber Frame Micro Home

Project in-detail

A wind tunnel optimized for energy generation complements a timber-framed micro home designed for sustainable living and efficient use of space.
5 key facts about this project
01
A wind tunnel integrated into the design optimizes energy capture from gentle breezes.
02
Transformable furniture maximizes functionality within the compact interior layout.
03
Utilizes a curtain wall on the southern façade to enhance natural light intake.
04
Rainwater collection and filtering systems promote self-sufficiency and sustainability.
05
Timber framing combined with a concrete foundation ensures structural integrity and durability.

The design of a self-sustainable micro home demonstrates a contemporary approach to eco-friendly living, integrating various renewable energy sources within a compact structure. Situated in different geographical contexts, such as cliffs or urban areas, the home aims for energy independence while fostering a connection to the surrounding environment. An efficient layout optimizes space for everyday use, supporting a sustainable lifestyle.

Architectural Form

The micro home features a well-thought-out layout that makes the best use of available space. Essential areas include an entrance, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. The living room incorporates transformable furniture, providing flexibility for multiple functions. This type of adaptability is significant in modern design, where maximizing compact spaces is increasingly important.

Sustainable Features

Key to the design is a strong commitment to sustainability. The building’s orientation maximizes natural light with a curtain wall on the southern side, which helps capture sunlight while minimizing heat loss. The northern façade, made from timber, enhances both accessibility and thermal performance. A wind tunnel, utilizing the Venturi effect, efficiently captures energy from the wind, allowing the home to generate electricity even in light breezes.

Water Management

This micro home includes effective systems for water management. A rainwater collection and filtering system supports its self-sufficiency, while solar panels on the roof provide additional energy. A wood-burning stove is integrated for both heating and cooking. Together, these features contribute to a low carbon footprint and align with current environmental standards.

Material Use

The choice of materials for construction plays a crucial role in the home’s overall function and aesthetics. Timber framing provides structural stability while promoting a connection to nature. This is complemented by a concrete foundation, ensuring the home’s durability. The lateral walls, designed with metal sheet façades, improve aerodynamics and energy efficiency.

Each of these design elements works together to create a living space that prioritizes comfort and ecological responsibility. The architectural language reflects an awareness of its surroundings and context, ensuring it meets the needs of modern living.

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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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