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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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