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Solar Chimney and Recycled Wood Create Biophilic Microhome Experience

Author:
Aphrodite Knoop
Solar Chimney and Recycled Wood Create Biophilic Microhome Experience

Project in-detail

A solar chimney combined with recycled wood components allows for passive cooling and natural ventilation in a microhome designed to enhance connection with nature while providing efficient living spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
A southern-facing glass wall serves as a solar chimney for natural ventilation.
02
The structure features recycled wood and wood-plastic composites in its exterior.
03
Modular design allows for various configurations to adapt to occupant needs.
04
The building integrates passive heating and cooling without mechanical systems.
05
Biophilic elements encourage natural interaction with the surrounding environment.

The Adaptation House serves as a thoughtful response to the demands of urban living, aiming to maximize space while prioritizing sustainability. Located in densely populated areas, the design emphasizes modularity and flexibility, allowing it to fit snugly into urban contexts. Its overall intent is to forge connections between residents, their community, and the natural environment.

Modularity and Flexibility

The design focuses on efficient land use, taking up no more than 1.5 parking spaces. This compactness allows the house to integrate easily into cities where space is limited. It features modular components, including a sleep/lounge area and a plumbing unit, which facilitate varied layouts depending on the needs of the occupants. This adaptability means the house can grow and change with its residents, accommodating different lifestyles as they evolve.

Sustainable Features

Key to the design are passive heating and cooling strategies, which help to lower energy consumption. A glass wall on the southern side has operable vents that act as a solar chimney. This feature promotes natural ventilation, keeping the interior comfortable in both hot and cold weather. The approach not only enhances livability but also underscores the project's commitment to sustainability.

Material Choices

The structure utilizes highly insulative structural insulation panels that contribute to its energy efficiency. The exterior is clad in recycled wood and wood-plastic composites, showcasing an environmentally conscious approach to material selection. High-performance aluminum-framed windows further improve insulation, ensuring that the interiors remain comfortable while minimizing energy use.

Interior Experience

Inside, the design encourages natural light and airflow, which are vital for well-being. Cross ventilation and clerestory windows allow for bright spaces, while the exterior lattice system supports greenery. This setup not only provides shade but also connects the building to the surrounding nature. The arrangement promotes an engaging living space, blending indoor comfort with the outside environment.

The Adaptation House illustrates a careful balance of practical living and sustainable practices, all while fostering a connection to both community and nature, culminating in a well-thought-out living experience.

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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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