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Intersecting Volumes for Dual Family Living with Enhanced Privacy

Author:
Aprielle Chung
Intersecting Volumes for Dual Family Living with Enhanced Privacy

Project in-detail

Intersecting volumes allow two families to experience distinct views and privacy while utilizing existing foundations, fostering communal interaction in a thoughtfully designed residential space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Intersecting volumes create a dynamic flow between private and communal areas.
02
Each family has unique access to specific views without compromising privacy.
03
Terraces are designed to shield outdoor spaces from prevailing winds.
04
Existing foundations are reused to minimize construction impact on the site.
05
Strategic window placement maximizes natural light while reducing heat loss.

The Mobius House is a residential design focused on accommodating the needs of two families while fostering a connection with the surrounding environment. Located in a setting that allows for ample natural light and ventilation, the design concept revolves around the Mobius loop, promoting an engaging flow through intersecting spaces. This approach not only creates a unique living experience but also emphasizes privacy for each family unit.

Spatial Configuration and Privacy

Intersecting volumes characterize the design, allowing each family to navigate their home while enjoying separate views. Family A has access to a southeast view on the lower level and a northwest view on the upper level. Meanwhile, Family B enjoys the opposite configuration. This arrangement creates a harmonious balance between areas for social interaction and private retreats.

Environmental Orientation

The house's orientation plays a key role in its thermal performance. By facing the southern front yard while resisting winter winds, the living spaces benefit from natural light and warmth throughout the day. This careful positioning creates a comfortable indoor climate, catering to the needs of the families in both colder and warmer seasons.

Window Design and Thermal Control

Windows are placed strategically to enhance views while reducing exposure to harsh winds. Their arrangement connects the interiors to the outdoor landscape, promoting a sense of openness. Cantilevered features are included to help keep drafts out of the living areas, enhancing comfort and livability.

Terraces and Outdoor Spaces

Private outdoor spaces are essential to the design, with terraces for both families arranged so they do not overlook one another. This thoughtful approach supports shared outdoor activities while preserving individual privacy. The terraces, sheltered from the wind, provide spaces for relaxation and enjoyment throughout the year.

The design emphasizes a thoughtful interaction between private and shared spaces. Light moves across the surfaces throughout the day, creating a changing atmosphere that enriches the living experience. The Mobius House effectively combines individual needs with a sense of community, resulting in a practical and functional living environment.

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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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