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Solar-Powered Murphy Bed in a Compact Sustainable Living Space

Authors:
Nina Novakovic, Tamara Milošević
Solar-Powered Murphy Bed in a Compact Sustainable Living Space

Project in-detail

Equipped with a solar-powered Murphy bed and designed for flexibility, the compact living space efficiently integrates various functions while promoting sustainability in a modern, adaptable environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Equipped with a solar-powered Murphy bed that maximizes space efficiency.
02
The design allows the kitchen to be concealed, resembling a wardrobe when closed.
03
Incorporates rainwater collection and filtering systems for sustainable living.
04
Features flexible furniture that adapts for dining, work, and relaxation.
05
Adaptable layout suitable for both flat and mountainous terrains.

The design presents a refined solution for compact living, focused on both functionality and sustainability. It caters to modern nomadic lifestyles by embodying the principle of "less is more." By maximizing the use of limited space, it merges different living functions into one cohesive unit. Traditional separations between areas of the home are challenged as various spaces come together.

Multifunctionality

The project integrates the living area with the sleeping space through smart furniture choices. A notable feature is the electric Murphy bed, which runs on solar power and includes built-in LED lights for added illumination when it is raised. This bed allows the living area to double as a restful sleeping space at night. Additionally, the design incorporates clever storage solutions with hidden drawers and shelves that disappear when the bed is lowered, enhancing the room's functionality.

Flexible Living Spaces

The space for dining and work is designed to adapt to the user’s needs. This area features a table that can be positioned upright to conceal shelving below, while the benches and chairs can retreat to make the most of the available space. Such flexibility improves usability, allowing everyday activities to flow smoothly and ensuring that both work and relaxation can coexist comfortably.

Intelligent Kitchen Design

The kitchen layout shows a thoughtful approach to spatial organization within the compact footprint. When not in use, it is concealed and resembles a standard wardrobe. The design cleverly allows for easy access to essential cooking tools and appliances when the folding doors are opened. This arrangement promotes efficient use of the area and enhances connectivity with other parts of the home, especially the bathroom.

Sustainability and Contextual Adaptation

Attention is also given to ecological considerations by utilizing solar energy for electricity needs. Rainwater collection and filtration systems further support a sustainable lifestyle. The building's design can adapt to various geographical settings, whether on flat plains or in mountainous areas, showcasing its functional nature while blending into different environmental conditions.

The project highlights thoughtful residential design, where every element is tailored to accommodate the realities of modern living. The layout reveals layers of functionality, bringing together simplicity and practicality in a cohesive manner.

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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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