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Reed-Crafted Microhome Focused on Space Efficiency and Natural Ventilation

Authors:
Leonie Schaller, Frederike Strauch
Reed-Crafted Microhome Focused on Space Efficiency and Natural Ventilation

Project in-detail

Crafted from renewable reed, this compact microhome emphasizes natural light and ventilation, creating an adaptable living space tailored for modern urban lifestyles.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from renewable reed, promoting sustainability.
02
Includes flexible cabinetry for quick spatial transformation.
03
Optimized for natural ventilation with strategically placed openings.
04
Designed for accessibility, suitable for all age groups.
05
100% biodegradable materials ensure a minimal environmental impact.

The recent microhome concept addresses the needs of modern living, particularly in urban areas where space is limited. It combines sleeping, working, dining, and leisure areas into a compact unit. The overall design focuses on flexibility and sustainability, reflecting changing lifestyles and the increasing importance of comfortable, functional spaces in everyday life.

Design Concept

The goal is to create a living space that can change according to the user’s needs. A flexible cabinet system allows the residents to adapt the layout easily as their activities shift throughout the day. This arrangement supports a variety of functions in a small area, enhancing usability without sacrificing comfort.

Material Selection

Reed is a key material used in construction. It has a long history of use in building due to its environmental benefits. Reed needs little energy to produce and helps absorb carbon dioxide as it grows. Using this renewable resource supports sustainable practices while providing characteristics that resist moisture, making it a practical choice for a dwelling.

Environmental Considerations

The design also promotes natural light and airflow. Carefully placed windows and roof openings maximize ventilation and brightness inside the home. This attention to environmental comfort plays an important role in improving the living experience within a compact space.

The microhome is designed to be fully biodegradable due to its natural materials and the way the parts connect. This design approach emphasizes sustainability, allowing the building’s materials to return to nature after their use. This integration of functionality with ecological awareness leads to a clear vision of how homes can support both daily life and environmental responsibility.

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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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