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Heat-Retaining Fireplace and Water Circulation in a Compact Urban Home

Authors:
Martin Kovařík, Nikol Čapková, Martin Coufal
Heat-Retaining Fireplace and Water Circulation in a Compact Urban Home

Project in-detail

Incorporating a heat-retaining fireplace and innovative water circulation systems, the compact dwelling maximizes space efficiency and sustainability for urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design includes a 5.1 m² terrace module for outdoor living.
02
The project utilizes a heat-retaining fireplace for improved energy efficiency.
03
An incineration toilet reduces water consumption significantly.
04
Gray water and rainwater systems enhance sustainable resource management.
05
Each module is carefully sized for multifunctional urban living.

The MICROHOME 2020 project presents an innovative approach to urban housing through its independent tunnel house design. Spanning a compact 25m², it prioritizes functionality and sustainability. The layout is specifically crafted to meet the demands of modern living while maintaining a focus on efficient use of space.

Modular System Design
The design includes three main modules: a living/working unit, a hygiene unit, and a sleeping unit. The living/working unit, at 7.3 m², is designed for flexibility, accommodating both work and personal activities. The hygiene unit, measuring 4.8 m², provides essential facilities, ensuring comfort and convenience. The sleeping unit, also 7.3 m², underscores the need for adequate sleeping space within a compact environment.

Additionally, the project features a terrace module of 5.1 m² that enhances the livability of the home by providing outdoor space for relaxation and socializing. This integration of an outdoor area allows residents to enjoy nature and engage in open-air activities, improving their overall living experience.

Sustainability Initiatives
A strong focus on sustainability drives this design. Various features work together to minimize waste and enhance energy efficiency. A heat-retaining fireplace contributes to thermal efficiency, while an incineration toilet reduces water usage. The incorporation of gray water and rainwater circulation systems supports responsible management of water resources. Furthermore, solar thermal collectors and solar transparent panels aim to capitalize on renewable energy, reflecting contemporary environmental concerns in housing design.

Material Use
The selection of materials for the MICROHOME 2020 includes wood, metal, glass, and foam. Each choice is made for its durability and potential to create a sustainable living space. This combination of materials not only ensures structural integrity but also contributes to a modern aesthetic, making the home both functional and visually appealing.

The thoughtful arrangement of these elements creates a cohesive living environment that emphasizes practicality and efficiency, addressing the essential needs of urban residents while showcasing an intelligent solution to compact 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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