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Heat Pump-Optimized Home with Full-Length Glazing and Timber Frame Construction

Authors:
Ģirts Kalinkevičs, Dimitrijs Meļņikovs, Natālija Savranska, Anete Egle
Heat Pump-Optimized Home with Full-Length Glazing and Timber Frame Construction

Project in-detail

Constructed with a timber frame and enhanced by full-length glazing, the home harnesses solar energy and incorporates a heat pump system to efficiently serve the needs of a single family.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular construction allows for flexibility in design and future expansion.
02
Full-length glazing maximizes natural light and connects interior spaces to the landscape.
03
The heat pump system significantly reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling.
04
Rainwater harvesting provides a sustainable water supply for household use.
05
The insulated timber frame enhances thermal performance in a temperate climate.

The project features a modular home tailored for a single family in a temperate seasonal climate. It covers a total of 135 square meters and comprises four modular units arranged to create distinct areas for communal and private use. The design focuses on efficiency, functionality, and sustainability, ensuring a comfortable living space that addresses contemporary residential requirements.

Sustainability Features

At the heart of the design is a commitment to sustainability, highlighted by the inclusion of solar photovoltaic panels. These panels provide a renewable source of energy that reduces both environmental impact and operational costs over their long lifespan. They enable the potential for a self-sufficient energy system within the home.



Spatial Arrangement

The home’s layout is thoughtfully organized to balance shared and private spaces. Two of the modular units serve as common areas, featuring an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living room, which encourage interaction among family members. The other two units are designated for private use, with bedrooms and a bathroom that ensure individual privacy.



Ventilation and Heating Systems

A heat recovery ventilation system is integrated into the design to enhance indoor air quality. This system supplies filtered, fresh air to each room. Additionally, a heat pump with an exchanger effectively manages both heating and cooling needs. During warmer months, the system works to cool the air and control humidity. In colder seasons, it can meet a significant portion of the home’s heating demand, using electricity supplied from the solar panels.



Materials and Aesthetic

The structure is built using an insulated timber frame, which aids in energy efficiency. The exterior is clad with wooden panels that add warmth and contrast to the modern design. This material choice not only enhances the look of the building but also supports sustainability by utilizing renewable resources.

The design is further accentuated by full-length glazing, which connects the indoors to the landscape outside. This feature floods the interior with natural light, enriching the overall living experience while fostering a connection to nature.

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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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