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Inner Courtyard Integrating Natural Light in Extruded Coastal Modules

Authors:
Monica Mureseanu, Antonia Mihaita
Inner Courtyard Integrating Natural Light in Extruded Coastal Modules
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An inner courtyard allows for abundant natural light to permeate the living spaces of six extruded modules that effortlessly adapt to the coastal landscape, creating an engaging residence on Corbu Beach.
5 key facts about this project
01
An inner courtyard fosters a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
02
The residence incorporates six extruded modules that vary in height for spatial diversity.
03
Design prioritizes natural light, reducing reliance on artificial illumination.
04
The layout enhances both privacy and communal interaction among occupants.
05
Strategic orientation maximizes views of the surrounding coastal landscape.

The design located on Corbu Beach in Romania fits well into its coastal environment. The residence consists of six modules that vary in height and are arranged to optimize natural light while providing functional living spaces. The overall concept focuses on creating open areas that enhance comfort and connect the interior with the landscape.

Design Composition
The house features six extruded modules, each with a different height. This variety creates an interesting shape that stands out against the beach setting. The height differences not only add visual interest but also create distinct areas for various activities within the home, helping to maximize the amount of light each space receives.

Inner Courtyard
At the center of the design lies an inner courtyard, an important feature for bringing light into the living areas. This courtyard offers a private outdoor space that links the inside and outside, allowing fresh air and sunshine to flow through the home. It also serves as a peaceful retreat, ensuring that natural light reaches all corners of the residence without relying heavily on artificial illumination.

Spatial Arrangement
The layout of the modules encourages both interaction and privacy among residents. Each module is positioned to promote social spaces while still providing room for personal solitude. This careful arrangement enhances how the house can be used, adapting to the differing needs of family members and friends.

Large openings throughout the design invite the outdoors in. This detail brings the beauty of Corbu Beach and its surroundings directly into the living space, creating a strong connection between the home and its natural setting.

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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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