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Multi-Layered Mesh Privacy and Compact Living in Recycled Wood Structure

Authors:
Wael Al-masri, Baker Al-olabi
Multi-Layered Mesh Privacy and Compact Living in Recycled Wood Structure

Project in-detail

Constructed with recycled wood and characterized by a multi-layered mesh exterior, the design emphasizes privacy and flexibility while providing compact living solutions in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with recycled wood from local paperbark trees.
02
Features a unique multi-layered mesh exterior for privacy and environmental interaction.
03
Organizes living spaces vertically around a central structural pole.
04
Incorporates flexible balcony spaces for greenery and community engagement.
05
Designed to minimize footprint while maximizing communal outdoor areas.

The New Humpy is a residential design located in Melbourne, Australia, that merges cultural heritage with contemporary principles. Inspired by the traditional Aboriginal dwelling known as the "humpy," the design aims to create a practical living space that encourages sustainability and adaptability. It prioritizes a compact footprint, allowing for interaction with the surrounding environment, making it a fitting solution for modern urban living.

Structural Elements
The structure consists of three main components: a central pole, secondary tripods, and an external mesh. The central pole acts as the primary support, containing essential electrical and mechanical systems. This layout optimizes space and maintains a sturdy framework, allowing for a modern reinterpretation of traditional forms.

Internal Organization
Internally, the design places living spaces vertically around the central pole and a spiral staircase. This arrangement maximizes the use of land while preserving outdoor areas for greenery and public engagement. Users can customize their living environments, adjusting the number of platforms and spaces based on their individual needs and available budget.

External Mesh Design
A significant aspect of the design is the external mesh made from recycled wood sourced from local paperbark trees. This mesh provides privacy and protection while featuring six layers that echo the texture of the paperbark. Users can adjust these layers, creating different levels of openness to the environment and enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Balcony and Vegetation Integration
Balconies positioned throughout the structure improve its relationship with nature and allow for greenery that helps integrate the building into the urban landscape. This arrangement not only softens the building’s appearance, but also contributes to an overall sense of calm in an urban setting.

The New Humpy presents a practical answer to the challenges of modern urban living. Its design offers efficient use of space while encouraging a connection to nature. The external mesh, reflecting natural textures, adds visual interest and provides privacy, creating an inviting atmosphere that welcomes both residents and their surroundings.

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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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