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Step Layout Harmonizes Cross-Laminated Timber and Green Living

Author:
Helmuts Nežborts
Step Layout Harmonizes Cross-Laminated Timber and Green Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing a step layout and cross-laminated timber, the design integrates sustainable features like a solar chimney and rain collector to create efficient micro living spaces in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a step layout to optimize ceiling heights and spatial flow.
02
Incorporates a greenhouse that serves as a rain collector.
03
Features a façade acting as a solar chimney for passive heating.
04
Constructed with cross-laminated timber for enhanced sustainability.
05
Designed for modularity, allowing future reconfiguration of units.

A thoughtful exploration of micro housing emerges in a dense urban setting. The design concept centers on creating vertical living spaces that maximize utility. By minimizing the overall footprint of the building, the structure introduces a new model for urban living. It enhances views and natural light while ensuring comfort and privacy for residents.

Spatial Organization

The layout features a step-like arrangement that allows for optimized ceiling heights across various functional areas. These spaces include a living room, kitchen, bedroom area, greenhouse, working space, and bathroom. This organization facilitates movement between areas and promotes both personal and communal interactions. The result is a living environment that supports the diverse needs of urban dwellers.

Natural Light and Ventilation

Natural light plays a significant role in the design. Windows are strategically placed to allow daylight from multiple directions. This not only uplifts the interior atmosphere but also improves energy efficiency. A natural ventilation system is incorporated, enabling air to move upward through roof hatches while fresh air enters at ground level. This effective airflow supports a healthier living space.

Sustainability and Materiality

Sustainability serves as a guiding principle. The façade operates as a solar chimney, helping with passive heating during colder months. A rain collection system is cleverly integrated within the greenhouse, using the vertical structure to facilitate water flow without the need for mechanical pumps. Cross-laminated timber panels and wood fiber insulation enhance thermal performance, while polycarbonate sheets are used for the façade, providing durability and recyclability.

Modularity and Adaptability

The design emphasizes modularity through vertical stacking of units, allowing for efficient prefabrication. This makes future modifications easier. Each unit acts as a self-contained module, which can be adjusted or reconfigured as needed. Such adaptability ensures the design remains relevant over time, responding to the changing demands of urban life.

The greenhouse not only serves functional purposes but also adds an aesthetic element. It invites greenery into the living space. Wind-resistant structural elements add to the stability of the building, ensuring that it works well with both the natural environment and the urban landscape. The overall design reflects a careful balance between modern living and ecological considerations.

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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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