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Reflective Surfaces and Rotating Spaces in Compact Urban Living

Author:
Riccardo Nadotti
Reflective Surfaces and Rotating Spaces in Compact Urban Living

Project in-detail

A rotating central box with a mirror facade creates flexible living spaces in a compact urban environment, accommodating diverse functions while maximizing natural light and privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
A rotating box design enhances spatial flexibility and user interaction.
02
Mirror facade creates reflections that alter perceptions of the living environment.
03
Automated water connection stations increase functionality and convenience.
04
Curtains stored within the box provide adjustable privacy options.
05
Solar panels integrated for energy efficiency and sustainable living.

"RULE IT" is a response to the challenges of living in smaller homes, a situation that has become more pronounced due to the recent global pandemic. It addresses both the limitations of space and the importance of flexibility in how people interact with their environments. In an urban setting where every square meter matters, the design creates options for residents to personalize their space while ensuring functionality.

Design and Functionality

At the center of the design is a box that can rotate on four sides of the house. This feature is controlled by a mobile app, which allows residents to change how they use the space. The rotation is supported by a wireless energy system hidden in the ceiling, working in a way similar to how smartphone chargers operate. This innovative solution allows for custom living arrangements while maintaining connections necessary for utilities such as water.

Spatial Arrangement and Privacy

The layout reduces the available space to 25 square meters, yet it cleverly organizes areas for different uses. Privacy is well thought out; a system of curtains that can be pulled from the box provides residents with the option to create distinct workspaces. This approach enables a balance between open common areas and private zones, catering to modern lifestyles that require flexibility.

Material Considerations

Materials chosen for the project focus on sustainability. Important components include solar panels that harness energy from the sun, polyethylene pipes responsible for water supply and grey water management, and ceramic filters that ensure clean water. The inclusion of an electric heating boiler and a recycling unit with a thermostatic mixer supports an efficient use of resources in everyday living.

The exterior features a mirror coating that expands perceptions of space. This reflective surface adapts to its surroundings, capturing changes in light and offering a lively interaction with nature throughout the day. Rather than simply occupying space, the design engages with it, pushing the boundaries of what compact living can offer.

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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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