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Modular Living with Insulated Panels and Movable Walls in a Rooftop Setting

Author:
John Barry Gimutao
Modular Living with Insulated Panels and Movable Walls in a Rooftop Setting

Project in-detail

Constructed with insulated panels and equipped with flexible, movable walls, this compact urban home transforms rooftop spaces into functional living areas designed for contemporary lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes energy-efficient insulated panels for superior thermal performance.
02
Features a modular design with movable walls to adapt to various needs.
03
Incorporates Solatube skylights for enhanced natural lighting throughout the space.
04
Repurposes rooftop areas, maximizing urban land use for housing solutions.
05
Integrates a compact kitchen unit with built-in plumbing for streamlined functionality.
The project under examination is a contemporary architectural intervention designed to address the growing need for flexible and affordable living spaces in urban areas, particularly in Berlin, Germany. This project embodies a thoughtful response to the challenges of modern urban living, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and adaptability in its design approach. The "Back to Basics" House serves not only as a residence but also as a model for innovative urban housing solutions that prioritize efficient space utilization and a connection with the environment.

At its core, the project aims to create a livable space that is both functional and versatile, catering to the dynamic lifestyles of urban dwellers. The design effectively separates various functions within a compact footprint, ensuring that each area serves its purpose without compromise. The result is a 25-square-meter home that manages to encompass essential living amenities while promoting a sense of openness and fluidity throughout the interior. This layout maximizes usability, encouraging a harmonious balance between communal and private spaces.

The architectural design cleverly incorporates multiple innovative features that enhance the overall function of the house. The main living area flows into a compact yet efficient kitchen, which is framed to facilitate not only cooking but also social interactions. In addition, the inclusion of a separate bathroom ensures convenience while maintaining the integrity of the living space. A flexible sleeping area, equipped with a foldable bed system, can easily adapt to different lifestyle demands, allowing residents to reconfigure the space according to their needs.

Material selection plays a crucial role in the project’s success, leveraging modern, sustainable options that enhance structural performance while remaining visually appealing. The use of Kingspan insulated sandwich panels for walls and roofing contributes to superior thermal insulation, essential for energy efficiency in urban residential settings. Further, the Solatube skylight system strategically optimizes natural light penetration, enhancing the quality of the interior environment and reducing dependence on artificial lighting.

In addition to these materials, the project integrates prefabricated elements such as a well-designed kitchen unit with built-in plumbing, which simplifies both the construction process and future maintenance. The raised flooring with steel grating not only provides practical benefits but also adds to the overall aesthetic of the space, maintaining a modern feel. The design employs movable walls on rails, allowing occupants to customize their living areas dynamically, reflecting the ever-changing nature of urban life.

A key aspect of the "Back to Basics" House is its focus on sustainability and efficient land use. By utilizing rooftop spaces for residential purposes, the project addresses the dual goals of increasing housing availability in crowded urban environments while preserving existing urban landscapes. This approach exemplifies thoughtful urban design, highlighting the potential for underused spaces to serve as viable living environments.

The unique design strategies employed in this project set it apart as a forward-thinking solution to the pressing issues of urban housing instability. The emphasis on modularity, prefabrication, and resource-efficient practices exemplifies a shift towards more sustainable architectural paradigms that respond to contemporary societal needs. This project encourages a reconsideration of how urban spaces can be utilized to foster community and individual well-being.

Readers interested in exploring this architectural endeavor further are invited to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs presented in the project documentation. These elements provide deeper insights into the thoughtful design ideas that characterize the "Back to Basics" House, illustrating how architecture can effectively respond to modern living challenges in urban settings.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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