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Timber Frame Microhomes with Energy-Generating Sidewalks

Authors:
Dan Nutini, Elham Mohammadrezaei
Timber Frame Microhomes with Energy-Generating Sidewalks

Project in-detail

Stackable timber frame microhomes utilize locally sourced materials and energy-generating sidewalks to create sustainable living spaces in urban environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Stackable design allows for adaptability in dense urban sites.
02
Energy-generating sidewalks harness kinetic movement for power.
03
Locally sourced wood siding features a low-VOC finish.
04
Interspersed green spaces create a community-oriented environment.
05
Compact footprint maximizes vertical living within 268 square feet.

The BoBo Microhome, also known as the Boston Bothy, responds to the increasing need for affordable living spaces in urban areas. Located in Boston, it focuses on modular design and prefabrication, creating a compact solution for modern city life. With its emphasis on flexibility and sustainability, the project meets the aspirations of urban professionals looking to own a home in a busy environment.

Design Concept

The design features stackable modular units that efficiently use limited urban space. With a compact size of 268 square feet, the layout maximizes vertical space, allowing for various configurations based on demand. A timber skeleton supports the prefabricated structure, enabling adaptability while ensuring stability and durability.

Sustainability Features

Sustainability is an important aspect of the BoBo Microhome. The design reduces construction waste by utilizing prefabrication techniques, which contrasts with traditional building methods that often generate more waste. Energy-generating sidewalks adjacent to the microhome capture movement from pedestrians, helping to power the units and promoting the use of renewable energy in a busy city setting.

Materials and Health Considerations

Locally sourced materials are a key feature of the BoBo Microhome. It includes wood siding made with low-VOC finishes. This focus on low-VOC materials benefits indoor air quality and supports local businesses. The wooden frame not only provides structure but also contributes to the visual appeal of the design.

Community Integration

The BoBo Microhome includes green spaces that create a park-like atmosphere among the units. These areas provide room for outdoor activities and encourage social connections among residents. Such spaces help lessen the feeling of congestion in urban living, offering a refreshing experience outside. The design aims to balance social interaction with personal space, fostering a sense of community.

An operable skylight is incorporated into each unit, allowing for natural light and ventilation. This feature enhances the living experience, connecting residents with the outside environment while promoting a comfortable atmosphere indoors.

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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

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