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Plywood Modules for Flexible Living in Compact Spaces

Authors:
Maret Lauranne, Manon Cochereau
Plywood Modules for Flexible Living in Compact Spaces

Project in-detail

Constructed from plywood and wooden slabs, this modular living solution emphasizes adaptability through interchangeable wall units, allowing for personalized spaces that cater to evolving residential needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed for urban contexts to maximize limited space.
02
Utilizes prefabricated wall modules for quick assembly and customization.
03
Incorporates corner modules that serve dual purposes for storage and greenery.
04
Each wall unit can adapt to specific resident needs over time.
05
Integrates a Murphy bed to optimize floor space in the living area.

The Puzzle Block project introduces a modular living system that redefines residential design by placing essential functions within adaptable wall units. This innovative approach creates a flexible living space, allowing users to adjust their environment according to their changing needs. The project is designed for urban settings where space is limited, addressing the challenges of compact living while promoting a more personalized approach to home life.

Modular Composition

The structure utilizes wooden slabs and wooden posts, following a prefabricated construction method. Each wooden slab is 5.6 by 5.6 meters. The walls are made of two layers: an inhabited layer for living and an outer coat that can be adapted to different climates. The inhabited wall stands three meters high and is 90 centimeters deep, creating enough space for important furniture like desks, beds, and kitchen counters.

Functional Modules

Four core modules define the design: the Eatery, Chilling Nest, Couple's Cocoon, and Bathe & Care. The Eatery serves as a compact kitchen, featuring a foldable dining table that enhances usability. The Chilling Nest functions as a relaxation space with a bench that can turn into a guest bed, allowing for multiple uses. The Couple's Cocoon includes a Murphy bed that saves floor space when folded up and has a dressing area for clothing. The Bathe & Care module combines a shower and toilet in a small footprint, ensuring all necessary elements are close at hand.

User Adaptability

The design supports adaptability, enabling users to change their living space as needs evolve. Households can add new modules for specific purposes, including children’s rooms, work areas, or places for entertainment. This modular aspect allows for personalization and encourages a sense of community among users. A family can transition from a compact studio to a multi-functional home over time, reflecting their lifestyle choices.

Aesthetic Integration

Design details enhance the overall intent to combine practicality with visual appeal. Corner modules provide additional storage or plant shelves, drawing attention away from the compactness of the living area. The arrangement of these modules promotes a warm atmosphere, blending functionality with a pleasing living experience. Such thoughtful integration creates a home that is both usable and inviting.

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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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