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ThermoWood Façade and Energy-Efficient Design in a Compact Urban Home

Authors:
Ondřej Chudy, Petr Kousal
ThermoWood Façade and Energy-Efficient Design in a Compact Urban Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing a ThermoWood façade and advanced energy systems, this compact urban home exemplifies sustainable living while providing functional space for young professionals.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a unique bent A-frame design to enhance spatial dynamics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
03
Features a ThermoWood façade for superior thermal performance.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for low maintenance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Integrates a rainwater collection system to promote sustainable water use.

### Project Overview
Located in a developed urban area, the microhome design addresses the housing challenges faced by young professional couples. The concept prioritizes sustainability and compact living while integrating modern amenities, offering an innovative solution aimed at providing affordable housing that meets the spatial and social requirements of its residents.

### Spatial Efficiency
The microhome encompasses a total area of 25 square meters, with a layout that encourages openness while maintaining privacy. The entrance features a multifunctional space for storage and access to essential amenities. The living area maximizes natural light, fostering a connection with the outdoors, while the kitchen and dining space are thoughtfully designed to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal. A compact bathroom provides necessary facilities without sacrificing space, and a terrace extends the living area outdoors, enhancing the overall user experience.

### Material Selections
The design utilizes a curated selection of materials focused on sustainability and performance. ThermoWood® Nordic Spruce serves as the exterior cladding, offering durability and warmth. High-performance insulation, such as Kingston Kooltherm K10 and K12, contributes to energy efficiency. Concrete and steel components provide structural stability, while high-performance glazing in the facade optimizes natural light and thermal comfort. Interior furnishings are crafted from eco-friendly fabrics, ensuring that sustainability is maintained throughout the design.

### Energy Management
The microhome features advanced technologies for energy sourcing and management. Solar panels installed on the roof significantly reduce reliance on traditional electricity sources. The integrated HVAC systems provide effective climate control with minimal energy consumption. Additionally, rainwater collection and recycling systems are implemented to promote sustainable water usage, aligning with contemporary environmental objectives.

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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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