Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Murphy Couch and Pullout Stairs Enhance Compact Living Space

Author:
Addy Holenstein
Murphy Couch and Pullout Stairs Enhance Compact Living Space

Project in-detail

A multifunctional living space incorporates a Murphy couch and pullout stairs, maximizing storage and accessibility in a compact environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Murphy couch provides dual functionality for seating and storage.
02
Pullout stairs enhance accessibility to lofted areas.
03
Vertical blinds offer adjustable light control for varying needs.
04
Design prioritizes efficient use of limited urban space.
05
Dedicated storage areas keep the environment organized and tidy.

The living space is designed to blend practicality with smart use of area, set against the backdrop of an urban environment. The main room features an integrated loft and a series of storage options that highlight the concept of flexibility. This design responds to the needs of modern living, particularly in cities where space is often limited.

Storage Solutions

Central to the design are practical storage solutions that enhance organization within the living area. A Murphy couch serves the dual purpose of seating and blanket storage, effectively reducing clutter. Additionally, there are designated areas for clothing and shoe storage, creating a structured arrangement that supports daily activities without sacrificing visual appeal.

Accessibility and Flow

Pullout stairs offer easy access to the loft, making it simpler to navigate between spaces. This feature plays a significant role in the room's overall layout, contributing to a sense of movement. By facilitating access to different levels, the design maximizes vertical space, aligning with the needs of contemporary lifestyles.

Light Control

Vertical blinds are an important aspect of managing light within the main room. They can be adjusted to three positions—closed, rotated, or open—allowing residents to control brightness and privacy throughout the day. This flexibility creates a living environment that adapts to various activities and times of day, enhancing comfort.

Elevation and Perspective

The design considers elevation and spatial arrangements within the room. Well-planned perspective sections illustrate how the couch and slats interact, reinforcing their role in functionality. These details contribute to a living space that is organized and cohesive, focusing on everyday usability.

Attention to utility and organization leads to a living environment that is flexible and practical. Each design element works to maximize space while providing comfort and ease for daily living.

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