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Sliding Box Structure Utilizing Kingspan and Natural Ventilation for Compact Living

Author:
Stefano Bonassi
Sliding Box Structure Utilizing Kingspan and Natural Ventilation for Compact Living

Project in-detail

Employing a sliding box mechanism and Kingspan materials, this compact residence integrates natural ventilation and flexible living spaces to respond to modern housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a sliding box-in-box construction for expandable living space.
02
Incorporates a rainwater harvesting system for efficient water use.
03
Features large glass panels for enhanced natural light and outdoor connection.
04
Constructed with lightweight Kingspan materials for quick assembly.
05
Employs natural ventilation strategies to reduce energy consumption.

**Overview**
The TURTLEhouse project is located in an urban context and aims to address contemporary housing challenges through a sustainable architectural approach. Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the design emphasizes flexibility and adaptability in residential spaces, supporting diverse lifestyle needs while fostering a connection to the environment. The concept draws inspiration from the protective characteristics of a turtle’s shell, allowing for both privacy and engagement with the external surroundings.

**Spatial Configuration and Functionality**
Central to the design is an innovative sliding box-in-box construction, enabling the structure to expand and contract. This feature provides approximately 6 square meters of additional usable space when extended, addressing the limitations of compact living environments. The layout accommodates multiple functions—living, working, and sleeping—by adapting to user preferences. This versatility is critical in urban settings where space is at a premium, allowing residents to modify their living arrangements as needed. Expansive glass panels enhance natural lighting and create a sense of continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, promoting an active and outdoor-oriented lifestyle.

**Sustainability and Material Selection**
The material choices for the TURTLEhouse emphasize durability and environmental responsibility. Kingspan products serve as the primary structural framework due to their lightweight properties, while modular lightweight steel structures contribute to the overall integrity and functionality of the sliding mechanism. Additionally, the integration of sustainable materials minimizes the ecological footprint throughout the building's lifecycle. Efficient systems, including rainwater harvesting and passive solar tubes for daylighting, exemplify the building's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, further reducing reliance on traditional energy sources while maintaining comfortable living conditions.

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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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