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Puzzle Shaped Glass Wall Enhances Compact Living with Integrated Tree

Authors:
Media Abdileildaghi, Guenyoung Jung
Puzzle Shaped Glass Wall Enhances Compact Living with Integrated Tree

Project in-detail

A puzzle-shaped glass wall seamlessly moves to create flexible spaces around a central tree, enabling a compact living environment designed for two occupants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Retractable furniture allows for efficient use of space.
02
A central tree enhances air quality and provides natural aesthetics.
03
The glass ceiling offers ample natural light in the elevated area.
04
A spiral staircase wraps around the tree for vertical circulation.
05
The moving glass wall creates adaptable room configurations.

Hidden Rooms is designed to provide a living space for two occupants, focusing on adaptability and efficient use of space. Located in a compact urban setting, the design allows users to modify their surroundings for different activities such as resting, working, and enjoying leisure time. The concept emphasizes reconfigurability, which is essential for urban living.

Innovative Furniture Solutions

The design incorporates retractable furniture, specifically a bed and desk that can rise from the ground. This thoughtful approach addresses the varying needs of the occupants while keeping the living area uncluttered when these pieces are not in use. The retraction of furniture helps create a minimalist feel and maximizes the available space, an important consideration in small living environments.

Natural Elements

A key feature of the space is the presence of a tree. This element serves more than just an aesthetic purpose; it also helps improve air quality and enriches the indoor environment. The tree establishes a connection to the outdoors, promoting a sense of well-being and calmness in the confined urban context. Its inclusion adds character to the design and enhances the overall atmosphere inside.

Spatial Flexibility

Access to an elevated area is provided by a spiral staircase that wraps around the tree. This area is dedicated to activities that promote mindfulness, such as yoga or meditation. The elevated space benefits from light filtering through a glass ceiling, which creates an open feel and enhances the experience for users.

The "Puzzle Shaped Moving Glass Wall" is another notable feature, allowing for flexible use of the space. This wall can be repositioned, enabling various configurations depending on the occupants' needs throughout the day. The design encourages interaction and adaptability, catering to both solitary moments and social gatherings.

Overall, Hidden Rooms emphasizes functionality and the integration of natural light. Even within a limited footprint, each design element has been carefully chosen to ensure a practical and enriching living experience. The result is a modern take on urban living that meets the demands of contemporary life.

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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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