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Rooftop Garden and Red Cedar Harmony in a Compact Micro-Home

Author:
Cade Mccue
Rooftop Garden and Red Cedar Harmony in a Compact Micro-Home

Project in-detail

A rooftop garden enhances the functionality of a compact micro-home constructed with red cedar and designed to embrace sustainable living through off-grid technologies.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates floor-to-ceiling glass doors for optimal natural light.
02
The micro-home features a rooftop garden for urban farming opportunities.
03
Red cedar is utilized for its durability and natural decay resistance.
04
The project employs a modular construction method for quick assembly.
05
Off-grid systems include a solar bank and water purification solution.

The architectural design presents an innovative micro-home aimed at balancing economic efficiency with environmental responsibility. Situated in an area that values sustainability, the residence merges naturally with its surroundings. The overall design concept focuses on creating an expansion of living spaces into the outdoors, fostering a close relationship between the inside and outside.

Design Concept

The layout emphasizes the separation between public and private spaces, reducing the need for transitional areas like hallways. Each part of the home is designed to serve a specific function, promoting practicality. Large floor-to-ceiling glass doors invite natural light and create a direct connection to the outdoors. This approach enhances the feeling of space and encourages interaction with the environment.

Material Selection

A focus on sustainable and functional materials is evident throughout the home. Red cedar is a primary material, valued for its durability and natural resistance to decay. This choice connects the design to the landscape while also adding visual warmth. Gypsum board is used for interior finishes, contributing to a modern look. Plywood substrates and softwood framing provide structural support and stability, reinforcing the overall design.

Sustainable Features

The micro-home incorporates off-grid technologies such as a solar bank and a water purification system, emphasizing self-sufficiency. A rooftop garden provides an opportunity for residents to grow plants, blending urban farming with residential life. These features align with current goals of reducing ecological footprints and living in harmony with nature.

Construction Methodology

The method of construction uses modular fabrication, allowing for quick assembly at the site. The home is divided into three modules: a living module, a kitchen module, and a sleeping module. These are fabricated off-site, making the on-site construction process faster and more efficient. This approach not only saves time but also reduces construction waste, supporting environmentally conscious building practices.

The expansive glass doors offer a framed view of the landscape, creating an inviting atmosphere that blends indoor comfort with the natural environment.

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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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