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Solar-Powered Microhomes with Multifunctional Living Spaces

Author:
Esra Karagoz
Solar-Powered Microhomes with Multifunctional Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Equipped with solar panels and designed for adaptability, these off-grid microhomes offer multifunctional living spaces that promote community and self-sufficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Multifunctional sleep-work-play modules can adjust for various uses.
02
Solar panels integrated into tapered roofs enhance energy capture.
03
Community courtyards promote social interaction among residents.
04
Off-grid microgrid systems support independent living.
05
Vertical cores connect individual homes to shared communal spaces.

The Amoeba Fusion Settlement introduces a fresh perspective on micro-living, designed to meet the needs of contemporary lifestyles. Located in an area that supports sustainable practices, the project includes one, two, and three-person microhomes aimed at addressing issues such as rising population density and limited resources. The design centers on decentralization and self-sufficiency, providing a framework for resilient living that integrates closely with its surroundings.

Design Concept

Decentralization is a central theme in the settlement's design. Each microhome is independent and does not rely on centralized systems, promoting off-grid living. This approach accommodates the diverse needs of occupants while tackling modern urban challenges. It creates a living environment that encourages both privacy and community, making the homes adaptable to various lifestyles.

Modularity and Adaptability

Modular design plays a vital role in the layout of the microhomes. Each unit contains essential modules, including kitchens, bathrooms, and versatile sleep-work-play areas. The sleep-work-play module can easily change its function, serving as a workspace, bedroom, or recreational space when needed. This flexibility makes efficient use of limited space, catering to the varied demands of its inhabitants.

Community Integration

The design fosters connections among residents through the arrangement of microhomes around communal courtyards linked by vertical cores. This setup encourages social interaction and helps build a sense of community. By clustering the homes, it promotes direct contact between neighbors, reinforcing bonds and engagement among those living in the settlement.

Sustainability Features

Amoeba Fusion incorporates features aimed at sustainability. The settlement uses an off-grid micro-grid system that relies on renewable energy sources. Each home is designed with energy efficiency in mind, evident in elements like tapered roofs that allow natural light to enter and solar panels that generate power. Additional features such as water storage solutions and energy-efficient ventilation support the project's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Solar panels sit atop the microhomes, capturing renewable energy while the sloped roofs enhance daylight within the interiors. Each unit remains bright and functional, reducing the need for artificial lighting and further promoting an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

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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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