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Natural Wood Paneling and Solar Efficiency in Compact Living

Author:
Malin Persson
Natural Wood Paneling and Solar Efficiency in Compact Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing natural wood paneling and solar panels, this compact cottage reinterprets traditional Swedish living for a young couple while fostering sustainability and efficient space use.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a compact footprint of 25 square meters for efficient living.
02
Incorporates natural wood paneling to enhance thermal performance.
03
Features solar panels to support energy-efficient living.
04
Includes built-in storage solutions to maximize limited space.
05
Designed to facilitate both social interaction and privacy for residents.

The "torp" serves as a modern update to the traditional Swedish cottage, designed for a young couple who want a mix of social space and privacy. Located in the beautiful Swedish countryside, the cottage has a compact footprint of 25 square meters. The design honors its historical roots while adapting to present-day needs, focusing on efficient use of space and a welcoming atmosphere.

Design Layout

The layout features a square floor plan that allows for flexibility in various settings. It combines a larger communal area with distinct private chambers, making it easy for occupants to flow from one space to another. This arrangement encourages exploration and interaction among residents while still providing areas for solitude.

Sustainability Features

The design incorporates key sustainability elements, including solar panels on the roof. This addition enhances energy efficiency and reflects a commitment to eco-friendly living. Windows are placed thoughtfully throughout the structure, allowing natural air and light to flow in, which helps reduce the need for artificial lighting and climate control.

Material Selection

Materials play a significant role in the overall design, with wood being a central choice. The wood paneling not only aligns with traditional Swedish building methods but also creates a connection to the surrounding landscape. This choice of material adds visual warmth while ensuring durability and sustainability in the structure.

Architectural Details

Smart storage solutions are integrated into the design to make the most of the limited space. Built-in shelves, storage under stairs, and compartments below beds and seating areas are incorporated throughout. These details ensure that the cottage meets practical living needs while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. The result is a thoughtful blend of form and function, designed to work well for modern lifestyles while respecting its historical inspiration.

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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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