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Modular Living Transformed Through Concrete Bricks and Reclaimed Wood Integration

Author:
Schuyler James Macdonald
Modular Living Transformed Through Concrete Bricks and Reclaimed Wood Integration

Project in-detail

Concrete bricks form the foundation of a versatile living space that harmonizes with its Cedar Grove surroundings through the use of reclaimed wood and thoughtful integration of outdoor elements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed primarily with concrete bricks for enhanced durability and energy efficiency.
02
Utilizes reclaimed wood to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.
03
Features large glass windows that create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.
04
Incorporates innovative hidden storage solutions for maximizing functional living areas.
05
Designed with adaptive spaces allowing flexible use for various activities and needs.

### Project Overview
Rainey’s Home is designed in Cedar Grove, California, with a focus on integrating modern living and environmental sustainability. The project capitalizes on its serene location to create a residence that minimizes its ecological footprint while adapting to the local landscape. The design emphasizes modularity and innovative spatial arrangements, showcasing a commitment to contemporary architectural practices.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality
The layout of Rainey's Home emphasizes flexibility and dual functionality. Key living spaces, including the kitchen, dining, and living areas, are strategically arranged to allow for seamless transitions between different uses, accommodating the varied needs of modern lifestyles. Large front doors enhance the connection to the outdoors, facilitating natural light and promoting outdoor dining options. Additionally, the incorporation of hidden utilities beneath the floor contributes to a clean aesthetic and maximizes usable space.

### Material Choices and Environmental Considerations
Rainey’s Home employs a range of natural and recycled materials that reinforce its sustainable design ethos. The primary structural component, concrete bricks, ensures durability while serving as a versatile aesthetic feature. Scrap wood, sandstone, and glass are also utilized, optimizing natural light and visual integration with the surroundings. The careful selection of eco-friendly materials, including insulated roofing elements, minimizes the carbon footprint of the construction process and enhances the overall living environment, reinforcing a commitment to responsible resource use.

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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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