Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Movable Walls and Solar Cells in Compact Living Solutions

Authors:
Maryam Moftakhari anasori movahed, Shirin Fakhari, Golroo Darbandi
Movable Walls and Solar Cells in Compact Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Equipped with movable walls and solar cells, this compact micro-home maximizes usability and energy efficiency while adapting to diverse living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Movable volumes allow for flexible spatial configurations.
02
Solar cells provide self-sufficient energy generation.
03
Foldable furniture maximizes usable interior space.
04
Terrace levels enhance outdoor living opportunities.
05
Large glass panels create a strong connection with the environment.

The Dynamic House, designed as a micro-home for 2020, addresses modern living challenges by emphasizing adaptability and functionality within a limited area. Located in an urban environment, the design responds to the needs of residents looking for efficient use of space. The overall concept highlights the potential of small living quarters by creating versatile environments that can shift in purpose and accommodate various lifestyles.

Design Concept

At the heart of the Dynamic House is the idea of movable volumes. These volumes allow for changes in spatial arrangements, creating both horizontal and vertical movement. This flexibility transforms the constraints of small living spaces into opportunities for innovative design. The layout supports multiple uses, enabling areas to function as both workspaces and places to rest. This approach maximizes utility while still prioritizing comfort.

Spatial Configuration

The plan features a fixed entry volume, which provides a sense of grounding. In contrast, the surrounding movable volumes give residents the flexibility to rearrange their living spaces as needed. This design empowers users to shape their environment in response to daily activities and personal preferences. Furthermore, varying levels within the structure create terraces that enhance visual interest and encourage interaction with outdoor spaces.

Sustainability and Efficiency

The house is designed to be environmentally conscious. An integrated energy system allows it to generate its own power, reducing reliance on external sources. Solar cells installed in the roof help capture energy, which is transported through pipes to a generator placed underground. This sustainable design choice reflects a growing emphasis on energy efficiency in residential buildings.

Interior Functionality

Another key feature of the Dynamic House is its approach to furniture. The furniture is designed to be foldable and easy to store, which increases the amount of usable space. This flexibility helps keep interiors organized and allows for different setups depending on the activities planned for the day.

Large glass panels that function as movable walls enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor areas. They allow natural light to flood the interior while providing residents with options to integrate outside elements into their daily routines.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy