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Mirror Coating Enhances Compact Living Experience in Small Footprint Home

Author:
Ignacio Uliarte
Mirror Coating Enhances Compact Living Experience in Small Footprint Home

Project in-detail

A reflective mirror coating enhances the sense of space in this compact living unit, which effectively combines a multifunctional kitchen, innovative storage solutions, and sustainable features for modern residential needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Reflective mirror coating enhances spatial perception and light within the unit.
02
Modular design supports rapid construction and flexibility for various uses.
03
Compact kitchen includes a combi oven for efficiency in small spaces.
04
Integrated storage solutions maximize functionality without increasing footprint.
05
Sustainable features include greywater reuse systems and solar energy options.

The Tiny House project illustrates a practical approach to modern living, designed to meet the needs of people in increasingly crowded areas. It functions as a flexible space suitable for permanent homes, vacation properties, or temporary housing solutions. The design revolves around a modular structure that measures 22.5 m², making efficient use of limited space while maintaining essential living functions.

MODULAR ARRANGEMENT

The layout utilizes a Plug and Play concept, allowing for straightforward construction and adaptability to various settings. The space is divided into three main areas: a living-kitchen area, a bathroom, and a bedroom. Each section is distinct but interconnected, enhancing the overall movement within the house. This arrangement promotes a balance between privacy in personal areas and openness in communal spaces, catering to the demands of contemporary lifestyles.

REFLECTIVE ELEMENTS

An interesting feature of the design is the use of a mirror coating along the walls. This reflective treatment plays an important role in the design by increasing the sense of space and light within the interior. It creates a lively atmosphere, making the compact area feel larger and more inviting. The choice of this treatment emphasizes both aesthetics and the functional needs of the space.

KITCHEN EFFICIENCY

In the kitchen area, functionality is a key focus. Important appliances, such as a two-plate stove, a combi oven, and a refrigerator located under the sink, are arranged carefully. This organization facilitates easy movement and cooking, showing that even small kitchens can be efficient and user-friendly. Thoughtful planning ensures that daily activities can be carried out comfortably in this compact setting.

CLEVER STORAGE SOLUTIONS

The bedroom includes practical storage options, featuring a double bed with six drawers concealed underneath. This feature maximizes the use of space while providing necessary storage. Other functional aspects include reading lamps, charging ports, and a desk at the foot of the bed. These elements allow the space to adapt to various activities, supporting both relaxation and work needs without taking up additional room.

The bathroom is designed with a wet area that includes a shower behind two glass doors, which can be sealed to maintain privacy. An upper window allows fresh air and natural light into the space, enhancing the overall comfort of this compact home.

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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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