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Movable Walls and Sustainable Living in a Compact Home

Author:
Rania Hijab
Movable Walls and Sustainable Living in a Compact Home

Project in-detail

With movable walls that allow for flexible living arrangements and a focus on sustainability through rainwater collection and solar energy, this compact home redefines modern residential function.
5 key facts about this project
01
Movable walls allow for customizable interior layouts.
02
Rainwater collection system enhances resource efficiency.
03
Integrated solar energy system supports off-grid living.
04
Flexible furniture design maximizes limited space.
05
Herb garden promotes self-sufficiency and sustainability.

The Microhome project is a thoughtful response to the changing needs of modern living, focused on sustainability and adaptability. This compact residential unit is designed to offer essential amenities while making the most of limited space. The overall concept emphasizes multifunctionality, allowing residents to shape their living experience within a small footprint.

Flexible Design

The floor plan includes important living spaces, such as a closet, bathroom, kitchen, dining area, and a convertible sofa/bed. Each area is carefully arranged to encourage smooth movement and functional use of space. Movable walls enhance this flexibility, giving residents the ability to change their environment based on current needs. This approach effectively minimizes the constraints commonly associated with microhomes.

Sustainability Integration

One of the main focuses of the Microhome is its dedication to sustainable practices. A solar system is integrated to provide electricity and may also supply heating for water. This aligns with the modern goal of reducing reliance on nonrenewable energy sources. Complementing this is a rainwater collection system, which includes filtration for use in the bathroom and for watering plants, encouraging stronger connections between residents and their local ecology.

Multifunctional Elements

The design incorporates multifunctional furniture, such as foldable sofa/bed units and tables, which are essential in optimizing the small living space. These features allow for versatility without sacrificing comfort, ensuring that the home remains functional and welcoming. Careful attention to the design of furniture reflects an understanding of the need for practical solutions in compact living while retaining an inviting atmosphere.

Innovative Resource Management

Encouraging self-sufficiency, the design includes provisions for growing fresh herbs within the home. This feature not only supports sustainable living but also allows residents to engage with their environment. By integrating food production into daily life, the microhome becomes more than just a space for shelter; it fosters a holistic lifestyle that emphasizes the relationship between living spaces and resource management.

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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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