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Natural Light and Recycled Steel in a Compact Home Design

Author:
Lorena Banda-ramirez
Natural Light and Recycled Steel in a Compact Home Design

Project in-detail

Flooded with natural light, this compact home utilizes recycled steel and bamboo plywood to create a flexible living space that adapts to the dynamics of remote work.
5 key facts about this project
01
Central atrium enhances natural lighting throughout the home.
02
Workspace and living area are distinctly separated yet interconnected.
03
Recycled corrugated steel offers durability with reduced environmental impact.
04
Bamboo plywood is used for interior finishes to promote sustainability.
05
Rainwater is collected from the atrium for reuse in the home.

Neutral Ground is designed for a young professional couple, focusing on the needs of living and working in a single space. The setting reflects a growing trend where homes need to accommodate remote work. The central design feature is an atrium, which unifies the two functions of workplace and home. This approach tackles the challenges of modern living, creating a space that feels both functional and inviting.

Spatial Arrangement

The floor plan is carefully divided, with the workspace located in the southern part of the home and the living area in the northern section. This layout sets clear boundaries between work and personal life while allowing for easy movement between the two spaces. The atrium acts as a crucial link, enhancing the overall experience of the home by promoting openness and accessibility.

Natural Light and Atmosphere

Light is a primary element in this design. The atrium is designed with large openings that allow sunlight to fill the interior throughout the day. This bright environment supports productivity and comfort, making the home a pleasant place to be. Various windows around the house ensure that all areas benefit from natural light, creating a lively connection with the outside world.

Material Selection

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability. The exterior of the home features recycled corrugated steel, known for its durability and low environmental impact. Inside, bamboo plywood adds warmth and aesthetic appeal, while plant-based polyurethane foam provides efficient insulation. These materials work together to create a space that is both practical and environmentally friendly.

Design Detail

The atrium is more than just an architectural feature; it serves as a calming presence within the home. The roof's gentle slope directs rainwater to gutters, which channel the water to a storage tank for reuse. This thoughtful detail combines form and function, emphasizing a design that embraces sustainability while enhancing everyday living.

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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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