Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Interior Garden Highlighted in Cross-Laminated Timber Microhome

Authors:
Primesa Arapi, Idila Shporta
Interior Garden Highlighted in Cross-Laminated Timber Microhome

Project in-detail

An interior garden integrates seamlessly within a microhome constructed from cross-laminated timber, demonstrating efficient use of space while providing a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Interior garden enhances air quality and provides a natural element in a compact living space.
02
Constructed using cross-laminated timber panels for environmental sustainability and rapid assembly.
03
Layouts can be easily reconfigured during planning to accommodate various user needs.
04
Orientation of living spaces maximizes natural light and ventilation throughout the day.
05
Tilted roof design facilitates rainwater collection and greywater reuse for sanitation.

The design is a microhome that addresses the needs of modern living in a compact format. It is set in an urban environment where space is limited and sustainability is a priority. The overall concept focuses on functionality and simplicity, demonstrating how smaller living spaces can be both practical and comfortable. The microhome aims to provide a balance between daily life and efficient use of resources.

Spatial Configuration

The microhome features three main areas: a living space, a bedroom or workstation, and a bathroom. This layout enhances usability by allowing each room to serve multiple purposes. The living area includes a kitchenette and a leisure corner, making it suitable for cooking, socializing, or relaxing. This arrangement ensures that the limited space is optimized for a variety of activities.

Natural Light and Ventilation

Attention to natural light and ventilation is evident in the placement of windows and doors throughout the home. Each of the living spaces faces south, allowing sunlight to flood in and energy-efficient airflow. This design choice creates a welcoming atmosphere that fosters comfort. The emphasis on daylight is not just about aesthetics; it also supports well-being and helps reduce the need for artificial lighting.

Interior Garden

An interior garden is an interesting feature of the design that allows residents to connect with nature. In urban settings where outdoor gardening options may be scarce, this garden serves as a refreshing alternative. It adds a layer of tranquility to the living space and highlights the importance of bringing aspects of nature indoors. The incorporation of greenery can enhance air quality and create a more pleasant environment.

Material Choice and Sustainability

Prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) is used for the construction of the microhome. This material is known for its eco-friendliness and efficiency, making it a suitable choice for sustainable design. CLT supports quick assembly and contributes to reducing the home’s overall environmental impact. Additionally, the home includes a rainwater collection system that reuses greywater for sanitation, and the roof is designed to accommodate solar panels. These features reflect a commitment to energy efficiency and resource conservation.

The roof design collects rainwater effectively while also serving as a platform for solar energy. This thoughtful integration of systems underscores the importance of practicality in sustainable living. The microhome is not only designed for comfort, but it also actively contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy