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Mobile Wooden Cubes Enhance Compact Living Through Geothermal Efficiency

Authors:
Amir Moradi, Hadi Daliraqaei
Mobile Wooden Cubes Enhance Compact Living Through Geothermal Efficiency

Project in-detail

Utilizing movable wooden cubes and a rainwater collection system, the design adapts to seasonal changes while maximizing energy efficiency in a compact living space for two occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Movable wooden cubes allow for flexible interior configurations.
02
Photovoltaic panels generate renewable energy for heating.
03
Rainwater harvesting system aids in resource efficiency.
04
Geothermal boreholes enhance energy conservation.
05
Modular glazing surfaces promote natural light and connection to the outdoors.

The design project 5² is located in a contemporary context that explores the concept of compact living. This dwelling uses a thoughtful arrangement of prefabricated wooden cubes to create spaces that serve the needs of two people. The overall idea focuses on balancing privacy with shared living, allowing residents to adjust and change their environment based on personal or seasonal needs.

Sustainability Features

5² incorporates several sustainable elements that lower its environmental impact. Solar panels are placed on both mobile cubes, providing renewable energy for heating. This helps to reduce dependence on traditional energy sources. Below the wooden deck, a battery stores energy for later use, ensuring continuous access to power. Additionally, a rainwater collection system is integrated into the roof design, enabling the reuse of water for household tasks. This approach emphasizes efficient resource management.

Spatial Dynamics

Flexibility is a key component in the design of 5². The movable wooden cubes allow for various layout configurations, enabling occupants to reshape their living space to suit different seasons or personal preferences. During warmer months, the arrangement can be more open to enhance airflow, while in winter, a more compact form can help retain heat. This adaptability creates a comfortable living environment and promotes energy efficiency year-round.

Material Application

The choice of materials plays an important role in the overall design. Prefabricated wooden cubes make up the main structure, while large glazed surfaces bring light into the interior. These windows connect the inside spaces with the outdoor setting, fostering a sense of openness. The use of these materials supports both aesthetic qualities and functional needs inherent in a compact living space.

Movable wooden volumes glide along built-in sliding rails, creating a U-shaped pathway around the fixed core of the design. This allows residents to engage in the arrangement of their environment, actively shaping their experience.

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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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