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Revitalizing Historical Spaces with Modular Wooden Living Boxes

Authors:
Erik Vodenik, Simon Magerl
Revitalizing Historical Spaces with Modular Wooden Living Boxes

Project in-detail

Modular wooden boxes are strategically integrated into a historic industrial building, creating a functional living environment that balances individual privacy with community engagement in urban settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular wooden boxes are designed to maximize space efficiency and adaptability.
02
The integration of private and communal living areas fosters a strong sense of community.
03
Historic industrial elements are preserved while accommodating modern living needs.
04
Flexible floor plans allow for varied residential configurations.
05
Natural wood finishes enhance sustainability and aesthetic appeal throughout the project.

The design centers around wooden boxes for living spaces within a historic industrial building. Located in an area known for its 19th-century industrial architecture, the project aims to revitalize the existing structure while honoring its cultural heritage. It seeks to balance private living areas with communal spaces, meeting the needs of modern urban residents.

Wooden Box - Private Place
The Wooden Box - Private Place provides a personal retreat for residents. Each unit is equipped with essential amenities like a bathroom and bedroom. The design focuses on individual privacy but also ensures that these spaces connect with the larger community. Work and rest areas are included to make the space practical and accommodating for different lifestyles.

Open Space
The Open Space serves as a gathering area, designed for social interaction and community engagement. This section includes a coffee shop and rooms designated for events and casual meetings. It encourages residents and visitors to come together, creating an inviting environment for social activities and strengthening community bonds.

Wooden Box - Sharing Place
The Wooden Box - Sharing Place emphasizes the importance of shared amenities in daily living. It features communal facilities such as a kitchen, dining room, utility area, and laundry room. This design encourages collaboration and fosters relationships among residents, aligning with the principles of modern collective living that prioritize shared experiences.

Old Building
The historic aspect of the Old Building is a significant element of the design. The project thoughtfully preserves original structural features, allowing the building's historical character to remain intact. This careful integration of the old and new creates a coherent architectural narrative that enriches the experience of the site.

Modern wooden boxes coexist with the enduring presence of the historic building, illustrating a practical approach to urban living that respects both history and contemporary needs. The thoughtful organization of private and communal spaces offers a relatable solution for today’s residents, creating a setting that balances privacy with community.

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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
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