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Sustainable Timber Construction for Compact Living Solutions

Authors:
Alexandra De la vega, Silvia Wilson
Sustainable Timber Construction for Compact Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Constructed with prefabricated wood components, the compact living solution integrates sustainable materials to support efficient self-building, providing essential functions within a 25m² footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed entirely from prefabricated wood components.
02
Divided into three functional modules for efficient living.
03
Designed to create thermal comfort in tropical climates.
04
Flexible module placement based on site conditions.
05
Promotes self-building principles for occupant engagement.

The Modular House presents a modern approach to sustainable living through its compact, self-build design. It spans an area of 25m² and is constructed using prefabricated components. The design prioritizes a clear layout that allows for essential living spaces, emphasizing flexibility and the capacity to adapt to various environments.

Functional Zoning
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The layout divides the house into three key modules: a WC and shower area of 3.15 m², a sleeping space measuring 8.40 m², and a living and cooking zone of 12.25 m². This arrangement allows for effective use of space, meeting diverse needs while fostering a balance between private and communal areas.

Material Selection
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Wood is the main construction material chosen for the Modular House. Utilizing prefabricated wooden pieces ensures the structure remains lightweight, making both transportation and assembly straightforward. This choice not only supports quick construction but also enhances thermal comfort in warm climates, contributing to the home's livability.

Adaptability and Customization
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One of the key features of the design is its adaptability. Each module can be positioned according to the unique characteristics of the site and the needs of the inhabitants. This level of customization ensures that the house can respond well to different environmental factors while maintaining practicality and coherence in design.

Aesthetic Integration
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The modular design showcases clean lines and a straightforward aesthetic, which aligns with modern architectural trends. The structure's arrangement allows for a consistent visual rhythm, helping it fit into a variety of settings while focusing on practical living.

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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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