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Nomadic Living Within Organic Forms and Natural Materials

Authors:
Carlin Sun, Frédéric vincent Lam
Nomadic Living Within Organic Forms and Natural Materials

Project in-detail

Inspired by the anatomy of a whale, this mobile dwelling integrates multifunctional spaces and natural materials to facilitate a nomadic lifestyle in the vastness of space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by whale anatomy, the structure blends organic design with functionality.
02
The layout integrates multifunctional spaces for efficient living in limited area.
03
Natural materials enhance comfort while promoting a connection to the environment.
04
Technical zones are dedicated to machinery and grey water management.
05
Designed for a nomadic lifestyle, it supports sustainable living in space.

"Into New Horizons: Living and Exploring Space" imagines a future where the demands of Earth drive humanity to explore other realms. The design takes on the shape of a whale, symbolizing both a home and a means of travel across the stars. This concept invites a new way of living, where mobility and adaptability are critical, reshaping how humans view their environment and habitation.

Spatial Organization

The interior layout promotes flexibility with various multifunctional areas. The living space is designed to serve multiple purposes, allowing activities to flow naturally without losing comfort. For example, the kitchen counter also serves as a sleeping area, making the most of the limited space. Additionally, the dining table is versatile, capable of changing into a resting bench. This arrangement reflects a practical approach that accommodates life in space.

Anatomic Inspiration

Inspiration from the anatomy of a whale enhances the functional design. The bathroom is located at the tail end of the structure, ensuring ease of access while remaining true to the organic form. Technical zones have been strategically allocated for machinery and grey water collection, catering to essential needs for a sustainable living setup. This relationship to biological forms allows for efficient use of space and encourages a natural interaction between the occupants and their surroundings.

Materiality and Environment

The design features organic shapes and natural materials throughout the living space. While specific materials are not detailed, the emphasis on natural elements suggests a focus on creating a comfortable environment. These choices aim to support the well-being of inhabitants while integrating harmoniously with the concept of living in space.

The culmination of this design brings together innovative solutions and a focus on natural forms. The thoughtful arrangement of spaces and functions creates a unique mobile home suited for life among the stars.

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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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