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Octagonal Base With Reused Materials for Small Living Solutions

Authors:
Ramisa Tasnim, Sabri Muhammad, Tasmim Wahhab, Shartaz Ahmed
Octagonal Base With Reused Materials for Small Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Constructed with an octagonal base and incorporating reused materials, this compact living space offers a sustainable solution for couples in diverse settings, balancing functionality with environmental consciousness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with an octagonal base to enhance structural stability.
02
Modular design allows for easy assembly with minimal tools.
03
Includes a convertible bed that doubles as a sofa for space efficiency.
04
Supports gray water reuse systems for improved water conservation.
05
Utilizes panels that can vary based on regional material availability.

The small house designed for a couple presents a modern approach to residential living that emphasizes low cost, sustainability, and modularity. This compact dwelling suits various settings such as rooftops, countryside, or trailer parks. It is built specifically for newly married couples searching for an efficient and affordable living option. The design focuses on creating a manageable living space that reduces environmental impact while ensuring comfort and usability.

Design Concept

The architecture features a Lego-like prefab configuration, allowing for easy assembly with minimal tools, specifically just a screwdriver. This design choice simplifies the construction process and offers flexibility in panel selections, which means the house can adapt to different contexts. The layout includes essential functional areas, such as a living space, working area, cooking space, toilet, storage, shower, and a bed that can be converted into a sofa. This multifunctional approach makes good use of space, which is especially important in urban areas where living space is often limited.

Structural Framework

The house's structural integrity relies on an octagonal base supported by steel poles at each corner. This arrangement provides stability while promoting the modular nature of the design. Vertical members are added for the modularization of the panels, and horizontal steel members contribute additional support and help to reduce the overall size of the modules. This careful engineering enhances the durability of the structure while keeping it lightweight.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is a key principle in this design. The project allows for complete modularization, enabling transport on regular trucks, which reduces relocation costs for those living in the house. Reused materials are incorporated to minimize environmental waste, while energy independence is addressed through solar and wind solutions. The inclusion of systems for gray water reuse underscores a dedication to conserving water resources in daily life.

Materials and Adaptability

The choice of materials in the construction can vary depending on what is locally available, reflecting a strong adaptability to different environments. This flexibility includes options such as glass, foam board, bamboo, and wood while meeting specific regional needs. The design also incorporates a surrounding outdoor deck that enhances the living experience, allowing for an extension of indoor space that fosters a connection with the natural surroundings.

The final design detail, the convertible bed that transforms into a sofa, provides an example of how multi-purpose elements can effectively optimize space in small living environments.

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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
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