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Programmatic Furniture Optimizes Compact Living in Urban Residual Space

Authors:
Víctor Lobos, Daniela Meyer, Ana Canessa
Programmatic Furniture Optimizes Compact Living in Urban Residual Space

Project in-detail

Centered on the integration of programmatic furniture within a compact footprint, the residence utilizes its three-meter width to create a dynamic living environment that efficiently addresses urban space constraints.
5 key facts about this project
01
The residence integrates programmatic furniture that adapts to various living needs.
02
It occupies a narrow three-meter-wide urban footprint.
03
Two interdependent volumes enhance circulation and functionality.
04
Dynamic furniture solutions promote efficient use of limited space.
05
Articulated vertical connections improve accessibility between levels.

The Furniture House, located in Concepción, Chile, is designed to meet the demands of urban living in a closely confined space. It is built within a narrow area of three meters wide, with an overall size of 25 m² or less. The focus of the design is on integrating programmatic furniture to enhance the functionality of the home. This approach allows for a practical yet adaptable living space that responds to the needs of its inhabitants.

Design Concept
The main idea revolves around the connection between programmatic furniture and the spaces around it. By treating furniture as both a physical and functional element, the design makes the most of the limited area while promoting a sense of openness. The layout thoughtfully combines various living functions, ensuring that each part of the house serves a purpose.

Spatial Organization
Inside, there are two main volumes that serve different roles—one for circulation and the other for various activities. This setup creates distinct zones while still allowing for easy movement between them. A vertical connection links the ground floor and the second floor, making access straightforward and practical. The arrangement encourages a flow that connects different areas, enhancing the overall living experience.

Multifunctionality
The project incorporates flexible furniture solutions that can be easily rearranged to suit different activities. This dynamic aspect of the furniture allows residents to adjust their space as needed. By emphasizing multifunctionality, the design aligns well with modern urban living, where the use of space must adapt to various needs.

Attention to the relationship between furniture and space showcases the efficient use of a small footprint. The Furniture House provides a thoughtful solution to urban density, demonstrating how design can create a comfortable and functional environment in a limited area.

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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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