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High Ceilings And Cross Laminated Timber Create Compact Living Solutions

Author:
Rohisha Maharjan
High Ceilings And Cross Laminated Timber Create Compact Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Using Cross Laminated Timber and high ceilings, the design creates an efficient compact living space that seamlessly integrates private and public areas for modern urban lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Compact design integrates hidden storage for multifunctionality.
02
High slanted ceilings enhance spatial perception and light flow.
03
Cross Laminated Timber construction supports sustainability goals.
04
Elevated kitchen platform allows for efficient use of space.
05
Rainwater and grey water systems promote off-grid living.

The project presents a housing solution that prioritizes clarity and functionality. Located in an urban environment, it aims to create essential living areas that address basic human needs, such as eating, sleeping, and socializing. The design fosters a sense of space, ensuring that living areas feel both compact and open. It is a thoughtful response to the demands of modern living.

Layout and Spatial Organization

The structure is carefully organized into private and public areas. The private section includes a bedroom, while the public spaces are made up of a kitchen, living room, and bathroom. This layout enhances privacy while allowing for social interaction. An entryway serves as a buffer, clearly separating these two domains and facilitating movement throughout the house.

Kitchens and Multifunctionality

The kitchen features an elevated platform that adds visual interest and provides necessary storage solutions. This clever design houses hidden beds and essential utilities, such as batteries and wires, optimizing space use. The living area exemplifies multifunctionality, easily converting into a guest room by incorporating a hidden bed that connects to the sofa or dining area.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is central to the design. A solar panel system meets the energy needs of the home, indicating a commitment to environmental responsibility. The integration of a rainwater collection system, grey water collection, and a composting toilet allows the house to operate independently of traditional municipal services, highlighting its off-grid capabilities.

Materiality and Aesthetics

Materials play an important role in the overall design. The structure is built using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT), which provides both sustainability and strength. The exterior is clad with lightweight prefab concrete panels, which enhance the contemporary appearance of the building.

High slanted ceilings create an open feel, while large windows allow natural light to fill the interior. This design connection with the outside environment fosters a bright and inviting atmosphere, reflecting an integration of comfort and practicality in daily 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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