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Itched Glass Partitions and Concrete Walls in a Compact Microhome Design

Authors:
Amey Mahakalkar, Sakshi Surawar, Abhishek Mankar
Itched Glass Partitions and Concrete Walls in a Compact Microhome Design

Project in-detail

Featuring itched glass partitions and robust concrete walls, the microhome in Nagpur exemplifies efficient design and functionality, tailored for contemporary urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Itched glass partitions create visual separation without sacrificing light.
02
Timber flooring throughout enhances warmth and comfort.
03
Concrete walls provide structural stability and a minimalist aesthetic.
04
The pergola extends living space into the outdoors, promoting connection with nature.
05
Mezzanine bed design optimizes vertical space within the compact layout.

The microhome design located in Nagpur, Maharashtra, offers a thoughtful response to the needs of compact living while promoting a strong connection to the outdoors. Its overall design emphasizes efficiency and practicality, making a statement in a busy urban environment. The concept focuses on creating a livable space that supports modern life and integrates various elements that allow for both comfort and functionality.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the microhome is meticulously arranged, featuring distinct areas for sleeping, dining, cooking, and bathing. Each space serves a specific function and allows for easy movement throughout the home. Innovative storage solutions, including spaces beneath the stairs and a mezzanine bed, effectively utilize the available area, enhancing the functionality without sacrificing comfort.

Materiality

Choosing materials is essential to the character of the microhome. Timber flooring runs throughout the interior, adding warmth and durability to the environment. Concrete walls provide structural support and evoke the influence of Tadao Ando, who is known for using solid materials that give a sense of permanence. Itched glass is employed as a partition, allowing light to filter through while maintaining some privacy.

Natural Light and Sustainability

Natural light is a key feature in the design, with strategically placed windows and openings maximizing daylight. The bright, airy atmosphere enhances the living experience, making the space feel open and inviting. These design choices also promote sustainability by reducing the need for artificial lighting, making the home more energy-efficient and aligned with modern ecological principles.

Integration with the Surrounding Context

Located near IT hubs, the microhome caters to the needs of urban living by providing easy access to commercial spaces and essential services. The design encourages a balance between work and leisure, allowing residents to enjoy both aspects of life comfortably. Outdoor features connected to the home, like the pergola, enrich daily living experiences and provide opportunities for relaxation and interaction with nature.

The design concludes with noteworthy details. The pergola offers shade while visually connecting the home to its surroundings. It invites in light and air, creating a pleasant outdoor space that enhances the overall living environment. Each element works together, crafting a cohesive experience that meets the demands of contemporary life.

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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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