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Maximizing Light with Movable Sunroom and Timber Elements in Compact Living

Author:
Guangzu Wang
Maximizing Light with Movable Sunroom and Timber Elements in Compact Living

Project in-detail

A movable sunroom enhances natural light in a compact 22-square-meter living space, incorporating sustainable timber to create a functional home for a young couple.
5 key facts about this project
01
Movable sunroom increases natural light penetration.
02
Sustainable timber materials recycle existing resources.
03
Dual-use office area accommodates work and leisure.
04
Dedicated shoe cabinet optimizes storage in compact layout.
05
Improved daylight ratio enhances overall living environment.

TINY HOUSE - THE HOME OF SHADOWS is a renovation located on the ground floor of a residential building in the Haizhu district of Guangzhou, China. Covering 22 square meters, it serves as a reimagined living space for a young couple who faced challenges with poor natural light and a disorganized layout. The design focuses on improving illumination and ensuring the space is functional for modern living.

Natural Light Enhancement

The main goal of the design is to tackle the lack of indoor lighting that characterized the original space. A movable sunroom has been added to allow more sunlight to enter and to create extra usable area. This feature not only brightens the interior but also connects the living space with the outside in a more effective way.

Functional Zoning

The layout effectively divides the area into key functional zones, accommodating the daily needs of the residents. A bar counter serves as a coffee station, while an office area is designed for dual use—supporting both work and leisure. The bed's new position addresses existing comfort issues, and separating the kitchen from the living area helps to reduce cooking odors while enhancing overall comfort.

Sustainability Considerations

Sustainability is an important factor in the project. Sustainable timber has been chosen, sourced from recycled materials, supporting a commitment to responsible design. This choice impacts not only the environment but also the overall feel of the interiors, adding warmth and character to the living space.

Spatial Efficiency

An analysis of daylight exposure shows an impressive increase in the daylight ratio from the original 20% to an anticipated 50%. This improvement highlights the effectiveness of the design changes, fostering a healthier living environment by maximizing natural light and enhancing the quality of the space.

A dedicated shoe cabinet integrates practical storage solutions while maintaining a clean and organized feel, illustrating the attention to detail that characterizes TINY HOUSE - THE HOME OF SHADOWS.

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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

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