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Timber Frame Microhome Featuring Solar Integration and Vibrant Interior Design

Authors:
Chidi Godwin Chinewubeze, Akintunde Bakrin, Olamide Shodeinde
Timber Frame Microhome Featuring Solar Integration and Vibrant Interior Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating a timber frame structure with solar energy solutions and vibrant cabinetry, this microhome offers a flexible living space designed to efficiently meet diverse residential needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a modular wall system for versatile spatial reconfiguration.
02
Utilizes Kingspan quadcore panels for superior insulation and energy efficiency.
03
Features a rainwater harvesting system for sustainable resource management.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
05
Designed with vibrant interior cabinetry to foster an inviting atmosphere.

## Overview

The Proteus microhome is designed as an entry for the Kingspan Microhome Competition, focusing on addressing housing challenges in Nigeria and across Africa. With an emphasis on modularity and adaptability, this design approach seeks to tackle critical issues related to sustainability and economic resilience in various socio-economic contexts.

## Modularity and Spatial Organization

At the heart of the design lies a strategy for modularity that allows spaces to be configured for different purposes, such as work, leisure, and rest. Movable wall modules facilitate rapid transitions between configurations, accommodating the shifting needs of users throughout the day. The architectural layout prioritizes efficiency, placing the kitchen centrally to encourage social interaction while ensuring that each zone serves its intended function within an open, airy atmosphere.

## Material and Environmental Sustainability

The Proteus microhome incorporates an array of materials that enhance both functionality and aesthetic appeal. A timber frame serves as the primary structural element, contributing thermal insulation and a warm visual quality. The roofing consists of Kingspan Quadcore KS1000 LEC panels, which provide energy efficiency and improve thermal performance. Solar panels with a 6 kW capacity harness renewable energy, while a rainwater harvesting system illustrates the commitment to sustainability.
Interior spaces feature bespoke cabinetry in vibrant hues, designed to promote a playful yet mature living environment.

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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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