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Pivoting Spaces With Millwork Elements and Rainwater Features in a Compact Microhome

Author:
Steve Pribyl
Pivoting Spaces With Millwork Elements and Rainwater Features in a Compact Microhome

Project in-detail

Using a unique pivoting floor system, the design incorporates millwork elements and rainwater collection features to create a multifunctional microhome that adapts to various living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible living areas transform between relaxation, dining, and sleeping functions.
02
A mechanical system elevates the bed from a concealed storage area.
03
Built-in millwork provides efficient furniture storage without sacrificing space.
04
Natural ventilation and rainwater collection contribute to sustainability.
05
Punctured planes create visual interest and separate interior volumes.

The microhome architectural design takes a thoughtful approach to compact living, prioritizing flexibility and efficient use of space. This design is meant for both urban and suburban settings, addressing the growing need for housing solutions that can adapt to varying lifestyles. By making the most of limited square footage, it changes traditional ideas about spaces for relaxation, dining, and sleeping, creating multifunctional areas that fit modern living.

Design Flexibility

The layout is designed to support one main function at a time. The living room includes a couch, chair, and TV monitor, and can easily change into a dining area. This transformation is facilitated by furniture that can be stowed away within built-in millwork. When the furniture is not in use, it creates an open space that can serve multiple purposes. The approach shows how thoughtful design can accommodate different activities within a compact area.

Innovative Sleeping Solutions

Sleeping options in this home stand out due to a clever mechanism that raises a queen-size bed from a small storage compartment. The bed is part of a system that allows the dining area to pivot away, optimizing the use of space. This smart design addresses the challenges of confined living while ensuring comfort for those who reside there.

Sustainable Design Elements

Sustainability is a key focus of the microhome, with features that include rainwater collection and natural ventilation. These elements not only reduce the home’s environmental impact but also encourage eco-friendly living. The layout makes the most of sunlight through well-placed openings, which lessen the need for artificial light. This consideration helps reduce energy use and creates a pleasant indoor atmosphere.

Spatial Connectivity

A significant feature is the connection between the interior and the exterior porch, allowing the living space to extend outdoors. This design encourages outdoor engagement and strengthens ties with the surrounding environment. The arrangement of interior volumes, separated by punctured planes, creates a varied spatial experience, bringing depth to the compact layout.

The arrangement of adaptable elements nurtures an environment where functionality and comfort coexist. Each area is designed with movement in mind, enabling easy transitions between spaces and activities.

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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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