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Pulley-Driven Flexibility in Compact Living Spaces

Author:
Hugh Leahy
Pulley-Driven Flexibility in Compact Living Spaces

Project in-detail

A unique pulley system enables flexible living arrangements within a compact micro home designed for urban settings, prioritizing sustainability and efficient use of space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unique pulley system allows for dynamic furniture arrangements.
02
Upper level accessed by a compact ladder to maximize floor space.
03
Raised entrance and toilet areas incorporate a grey water tank.
04
Sustainable energy achieved through solar panel installation.
05
Flexible area adapts to serve multiple functions in urban environments.

The Pulley House is an innovative micro home that showcases a practical approach to modern living. It is designed to adapt seamlessly to the needs of its inhabitants, making efficient use of a limited footprint. The setting is urban, where maximizing space is often a challenge. The overall concept centers on flexibility and multifunctionality, allowing the spaces within to serve various purposes.

Design Concept

The design employs concepts such as folding, unfolding, hiding, and sliding to create an engaging living environment. A notable feature is the pulley system, inspired by Buster Keaton's film, "The Scarecrow." This system allows furniture to be rearranged easily, transforming the flexible area into a living room, dining area, or open space depending on the time of day and activities.

Spatial Organization

Vertical space is maximized through an upper level accessed by a ladder, which opens up the ground floor for a more spacious feel. The placement of raised entrance and toilet areas makes room for a grey water tank, which serves as a practical solution for water management. This intentional organization reflects the design's emphasis on efficient use of every available area.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability plays a key role in the Pulley House design. Solar panels provide warm water and help reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The grey water tank captures water for reuse in daily tasks like bathing, laundry, and dishwashing. This integration of sustainable elements enhances living conditions while aligning with environmental goals.

Mechanical Integration

The pulley system adds both functionality and a playful aspect to the design. It encourages inhabitants to interact with their space, allowing for easy modifications based on daily requirements. This mechanical feature stands out as a creative solution, rethinking how a home can adapt to the user’s needs.

In the flexible area, occupants can experience the transformation of space through the movement of furniture and the open layout. The focus on adaptability enhances daily living and illustrates a modern approach to compact housing.

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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

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