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Solar-Powered Home with Expandable Terraces and Water Management System

Author:
Andrew Tirta
Solar-Powered Home with Expandable Terraces and Water Management System

Project in-detail

With its solar panels and expandable terraces, the design supports off-grid living while providing a compact and adaptable home for modern users seeking mobility and efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
FlexHome can be easily transported, allowing for relocation without significant effort.
02
The design includes three water tanks for effective rainwater, greywater, and blackwater management.
03
Expandable terraces provide outdoor living space without increasing the home’s footprint.
04
Solar panels on the roof ensure complete energy self-sufficiency for the occupants.
05
Two lateral sections can extend to create multifunctional living and working areas.

FlexHome is an innovative design focused on providing flexible living arrangements. It caters to young professional couples who need a home that adapts to their lifestyle. The project emphasizes mobility, allowing occupants to relocate easily while maintaining essential living functions. Its compact structure combines practicality with a modern aesthetic.

Design Concept and Flexibility

The design revolves around three distinct states, each fulfilling specific roles while allowing for spatial expansion. In State 1, the core comprises essential areas like the kitchen, toilet, and shower. These components are organized in a compact layout that makes the home user-friendly and easy to attach to a vehicle. This feature highlights the key intention of mobility.



As the design unfolds into State 2, two lateral sections extend from the central core. This accordion-like feature allows for increased living space. One side can serve as a bedroom, while the other adapts as a multifunctional living or working area. Such arrangement prioritizes usability, particularly during adverse weather when comfort is vital.



State 3 introduces outdoor terraces that expand the livable space further. These outdoor areas facilitate a connection to nature, providing opportunities for relaxation and social activities. The ability to step outside and engage with the environment is a thoughtful addition, enhancing daily life.



FlexHome’s approach to materiality supports off-the-grid living. Solar panels installed on the roof provide energy independence. Three water tanks facilitate efficient management of rainwater, greywater, and blackwater. A battery system at the base ensures power availability, reinforcing the home’s capacity for self-sufficiency.



FlexHome presents a clear vision for modern living, focusing on flexibility and sustainability. Its efficient design addresses contemporary urban challenges. The sliding elements of the home create varied spaces, enriching the overall experience of living. This thoughtful approach balances practicality with a connection to the surrounding 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
competition now

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